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Okay I have what seems like a simple question but I don't know the answer.
Who came up with the "Change Your Oil Every 3000 Miles" statement?
I have a theory that it is perpetuated by a combination of the Oil Companies and the instant oil change outlets.
It would seem to me, and I am no expert by any means, that years and years ago it may have had some validity. But with the advances in oil technology and the advances in engine technology that the mythical 3000 miles would no longer apply.
But even way back when. Where did the 3000 mile interval originate? Why not 4000 miles? And if 3000 miles is perfect wouldn't 2500 be even better?
Now I do realize that if you tow with your vehicle or do a lot of city driving and lots of short trips or any number of other extreme duty scenarios that the oil should be changed at a shorter interval than you would normally use. But since the owners manual says to use the oil change monitor to determine the interval I can only assume that the software algorithm used for the oil life monitor factors in most of these conditions and adjusts accordingly.
Years ago I changed my oil every 3000 miles. Why? Because that's what my Dad said you should do. I don't do that anymore. While the oil life monitors aren't perfect they do meet the specs required by GM and they take the guesswork out of deciding when to change the oil. It would seem to me that GM would require a specific mileage if it would be beneficial to the life of the engine and they don't. Besides, with the newer oils like the dexos required in the Equinox / Terrain and full synthetics being rather pricey, it saves money and keeps a lot of old oil from having to be recycled. A win win.
So for me I have used the oil life monitor on my last three vehicles and will continue to do so. Just food for thought and opinions are more than welcome.
Who came up with the "Change Your Oil Every 3000 Miles" statement?
I have a theory that it is perpetuated by a combination of the Oil Companies and the instant oil change outlets.
It would seem to me, and I am no expert by any means, that years and years ago it may have had some validity. But with the advances in oil technology and the advances in engine technology that the mythical 3000 miles would no longer apply.
But even way back when. Where did the 3000 mile interval originate? Why not 4000 miles? And if 3000 miles is perfect wouldn't 2500 be even better?
Now I do realize that if you tow with your vehicle or do a lot of city driving and lots of short trips or any number of other extreme duty scenarios that the oil should be changed at a shorter interval than you would normally use. But since the owners manual says to use the oil change monitor to determine the interval I can only assume that the software algorithm used for the oil life monitor factors in most of these conditions and adjusts accordingly.
Years ago I changed my oil every 3000 miles. Why? Because that's what my Dad said you should do. I don't do that anymore. While the oil life monitors aren't perfect they do meet the specs required by GM and they take the guesswork out of deciding when to change the oil. It would seem to me that GM would require a specific mileage if it would be beneficial to the life of the engine and they don't. Besides, with the newer oils like the dexos required in the Equinox / Terrain and full synthetics being rather pricey, it saves money and keeps a lot of old oil from having to be recycled. A win win.
So for me I have used the oil life monitor on my last three vehicles and will continue to do so. Just food for thought and opinions are more than welcome.