The manual recommends changing filter and oil every 5k miles so that is what I do. The oil is still pretty clean at 5k and I could easily go longer. Test after test after test has shown that in a modern engine, oil lasts WAY longer then Jiffy Lube would like you to think it does.

New BMW's and MB's have oil monitoring computers that tell you when your oil NEEDS to be changed. The average is between 10-15k miles.

If you oil is excessively dirty at 2 or 3k, then you clearly live and drive in a harsh climate and should, therefore, follow the "harsh climate" recommendation which is (I believe) every 3k.

But other then that, "Every 3k" is nothing more then OPEC hype left over from the 70's. Times have changed, engines have changed, oils have changed. What your Dad or Grampa did is mostly irrelevant.

Do what you want, it's your car, change it every 1000 miles if you like., heck, if 3k is good, 1k must be better... right? Too many changes won't hurt anything but your wallet. Plus, all that old oil has to go somewhere.

Just don't badger others into doing wasting their money and our natural resources just to satisfy your own paranoia.

No offense to anyone of course.

 

Point taken, Its been almost 1,200 miles since I changed the oil on my wifes Explorer and the monitor says oil is still at 85%. That does not equate into 3,000 mile intervals.

 

When will all cars have these oil change sensors. I think it would be cool to be able to get some feedback from different regions on what the norm should be for Ontario Canada vs Orlando Florida!

 

Ive been using Mobile1 syn changin every 5k miles. I need to change my oil this weekend, but I have a question. I use Rhino Ramps when I change my oil. When using these ramps (or any other), will all of the oil come out at that angle? When you get your oil changed at the shop, they lift your car straight up. Im just worried that I will have old oil sitting at the bottom each time I change my oil. Anyone have any comments on this?

 

when on the ramps the drain plug is pointed to the ground so you will drain more this way than having it just on a lift.

 

I know I am new to the board, but I can't let this go:

You can't spell. This is automatic credibility!

That is untrue. Synthetic can run longer because of its superior base stock. It runs cleaner, resists thermal breakdown better, and traps more dirt than conventional oil

Once in the oil filter, where is the dirt going to go? It can't get back out. You do reduce the flow capability of the filter once it accumulates debris. However, on long interval changes, you should change the filter...even if you don't change the oil.

I would say it is as important as the oil itself. They are both very important.

I would prefer to ask the engineers who designed and tested the car. I would stick with what it says in the owner's manual. I think on the P5...5,000 miles under normal conditions.

Why do people think Mechanics know everything. No offense to any mechanics, but I have met and dealt with some complete dumb a$$ mechanics. Most enthusiasts know far more about their cars then any mechanic. Not to mention, they want you to spend money...why wouldn't they want you to get an oil change every 3K?

What does this mean? Are you back on the oil filter argument?

I suggest anyone that has questions about oil, do some research. Amsoil has a great website. They even show oil analysis of cars run 10K+ miles on the same oil.

Later,
Patrick
'02 P5
'92 MR2 T

 

Are you gonna like dig up all the old stick beaten posts and rehash/analyze/ and do a complete and total breakdown and rebuild of them with whole 122 page quote and schooling thingy? Dude, I hope not. I dont want to see only you in my mail box 87 times everytime I get online.

 

I can spell...! I just can't type...(lost three fingers on a UN tour!)

 

And anyway, so what if he mis-spelled a word or two? Are you gonna be one of those grammical FU*# HEADS?.................................Sorry, I just couldnt let it go!

 

Woah! Easy on the new guy. He has alot of valid points. I use Mobil1 synthetic, and change it every 5k miles. If you want to believe the 3k or 3mth myth, then go ahead. Another thing, fact is some mechanics are *dumb* and *dishonest*. If something somes to good to be true, then its most likley just that.

 

Yeah, sorry man. I just realized im a freaking dick head, after my wife read this post and biffed me!