The Oil Change - Misinformation Abounds Online

When it comes to getting an oil change, the old "every 3,000" miles rule has pretty well been abandoned on online forums. While it's difficult to tell where the original idea came from, it's easy enough to see that more than a few people repeat it without knowing what they're talking about. Not every article written on the Internet is filled with the golden truth. In fact, many of them are simply copying what the others are saying. But that doesn't make them any more right. There are are some misconceptions that might easily pick up while reading related blogs.

Exact Mileages

The problem with doing away with the "every 3,000 miles" rule isn't that it was an outdated piece of wisdom. It was, in some ways. The problem is that many writers don't stop with that. They go on to recommend a new rule of "every 7,500 miles" or some similar figure that is no more accurate than the original rule. Unfortunately, while heading into your favorite oil change establishment every 3,000 miles, when your vehicle could stretch it a bit longer, could be a minor waste of money, going in every 7,500 miles, when your car needs it more frequently, could cost you an engine.

Owner's Manual

The advice of the bloggers is not enough to make specific recommendations. Many don't even tell their readers to consult their owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations. This is far better advice, but it doesn't cover everything. The owner's manual is going to make minimum recommendations based on the vehicle, as it is when you drive it off the lot. It won't take many other factors into consideration, including the climate where you live, your particular driving conditions, and what other kinds of maintenance procedures you're performing. These factors are important if you want to nail down an appropriate interval.

Light Use

While this isn't so much of an online misconception as it is a common driver misconception, it is not true to say that a car that is rarely used needs a less frequent oil change. In fact, the opposite can be true. When you drive your car on a regular basis, many of the impurities and acids that collect in your engine are boiled off by the warmth generated by using it. When it is only taken to the shop every now and again, this doesn't have a chance to happen and you should consider getting your lubrication changed out more frequently than you otherwise would.