Changing the oil in your car’s engine is crucial for maintaining its reliability and preventing premature wear and tear. While many manufacturers recommend extended oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or more, it is important to consider the long-term implications of these intervals.
Engine oil plays a vital role in reducing friction and temperature within the engine as components rub against each other. Extended oil change intervals may not have immediate noticeable effects, but over time they can lead to detrimental consequences. If you plan on keeping your car for over 80,000 miles or purchasing a used car with the intention of long-term ownership, these extended intervals can become costly.
Having worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years, I have witnessed the change in oil change intervals recommended by manufacturers. In the early 1990s, it was advised to change the oil every 5,000-7,500 miles, and engine problems were rare. However, as manufacturers extended the intervals to 10,000 miles or more, issues started to arise once the vehicle mileage exceeded 50,000 miles even with full-synthetic oil.
During my time at my last dealership, I faced skepticism from co-workers when I predicted that engines would experience oil consumption and other internal failures after five years of the manufacturer increasing the recommendation change intervals from 7,500 miles to 10,000 miles. They insisted that “we don’t have engine problems on our cars”. As expected, engines began burning excessive amounts of oil, and the manufacturer had to address piston ring concerns through a technical bulletin. This experience reinforced the importance of more regular oil changes.
One may wonder why manufacturers would want to extend oil change intervals. The industry has shifted towards reducing the “cost of ownership” to compete with one another. While this approach may seem beneficial in the short term, it ultimately shifts the cost of ownership down the road and is more expensive. Premature engine wear due to extended oil change intervals leads to expensive internal engine repairs or even engine replacement. Although my opinion may be a bit cynical I think it has merit. It is important to understand that after the initial sale, manufacturers primarily generate revenue by selling parts to dealerships and repair shops. Engine repairs are often very expensive.
From a customer satisfaction perspective, extended oil change intervals may cost the manufacturer in the long run. When engines wear prematurely, owners are left with repair costs. This can result in dissatisfaction and a negative perception of the manufacturer.
In conclusion, if you plan on keeping a vehicle for more than five or six years, it is advisable to change the oil every 5,000 miles. Additionally, when purchasing a used car for long-term ownership, knowing the service history, including the frequency of oil changes, is critical. By prioritizing regular oil changes, you can ensure the long-term reliability and performance of your vehicle.