From: SMS on
Eeyore wrote:

> Many European cars now specify 12,000 mi oil changes based on using synthetic
> oil.

Even prior to synthetic, recreational oil changing was very uncommon in
Europe. Motor oil is heavily taxed (as is gasoline), so drivers are not
running around changing their oil unnecessarily at 3K miles. I had a
friend from Italy that carried back tires from Costco in his suitcase
when he went to Italy, because tires are so expensive there. He was
telling me that he wanted to bring over oil as well, as it's $8/liter
there. He keeps a Volvo 240 over there for when he goes to visit his
family, and brings over parts from the U.S..

In the U.S., a lot of people have been brainwashed by the oil change
requirements of vehicles from the 1940's to 1970's, as well as by the
oil change companies such as Jiffy Lube. They don't understand that the
differences in both engines and in oils mean that less frequent oil
changes are necessary, and that 3000 mile oil changes will provide no
increase in engine longevity over 5000 or 6000 mile oil changes. They're
free to pour their money away of course, at some point you realize that
they are just too stubborn to face the facts.
From: Eeyore on


Steve Barker wrote:

> "Eeyore" wrote
> >
> > Many European cars now specify 12,000 mi oil changes based on using
> > synthetic oil.
>
> That's because they like selling new ones.

It's actually because ppl prefer only to have yearly servicing actually.

Engine damage as a cause for vehicle scrapping is almost unheard of these days.

My last car made it to 180,000 with 9,000 mile oil changes (some use of
synthetic) and my current one sounds sweet at 160,000 with the same (but also
synthetic oil used mainly).

Graham



From: Eeyore on


Steve Barker wrote:

> $ynthetic oil is a waste of money. The cheapest oil in k-mart works just
> fine when changed at the proper interval.

Completely and utterly wrong.

You might as well put gravel in the sump as dino oil. It simply can't compete
with synthetic's lubricating properties.

Graham

From: Eeyore on


Steve Barker wrote:

> I will NEVER use a $ynthetic oil. I don't have any problems getting 300K
> out of an engine with plain ol' 30w oil from walmart.

I'll bet you would with a higher performing European engine.

Graham

From: Eeyore on


SMS wrote:

> C. E. White wrote:
> > Most major automakers agree: The adage that you should change your
> > car's oil every 3,000 miles is outdated, and even 5,000 miles may be
> > too often, The Associated Press reported.
>
> Wow, this news story is about ten years old! Ask any mechanic about 3000
> mile oil changes. They know that they are totally unnecessary. 5000 is
> more than enough to provide all the "cheap insurance" that anyone would
> ever need.

5000 seems more reasonable. Especially with decent oil.

Graham