Whats the deal with the new oil change intervals??????

2004 accord lx..the maintenance schedule specifically states that under
normal driving conditions to change the oil only at 10k, filter at 20k, oil
again at 30k and so on.

Although I am no engineer I am going to have to pass on this piece of advice
and just change at about 7500 miles, the oil and filter.

The plugs are also to be changed at 110k. Hell even if they are platinum I
don't think they will last that long and perform properly.

CaptainKrunch

 

No harm in changing your oil at shorter intervals, actually the better
option mechanically although at the expense of increasing your maintenance
cost.

 

i heard on car talk that those 3000mile oil change intervals were heavily
influenced by the oil industry. they said 4500 or 5000 is fine especially
since they add so many additives to oil now a days.

 

Hi,
Platinum plugs on unleaded gas last LONG time. Unless you experience
drivability issue with your car don't replace anything just because
they're at certain mileage point. We throw away way too many consumable
parts prematurely. Air filter, PCV valve, plugs/wires, oil/filter, etc.
Tony

 

The general rule used by lots of people is
every 3000 miles if you do lots of city driving.
every 5000 miles if you rarely do any city driving.

Believe it or not, some companies that make and sell automobiles
recommend 7000 to 10,000 mile oil changes depending on company.
There is a reason:
They want their cars to develop problems within 3 to 4 years
so they can sell more new cars to those people that followed
their advice related to oil changes. Some mechanics also suggest
you change it at 7000 to 10000 miles so they will make more
money off repairs.

 

Perhaps. However, one of the principle reasons is to lower the expected
maintenance costs such that the car gets a better rating by groups like
Consumer Reports.

Eric

 

Well, maybe I'm gambling, but I drive my car hard, change the oil at approx
7500 and have put over 100,000 miles on it in only 36.5 months. Still runs
great, plugs are clean (changed them for the first time last week) and
starts up right away everytime.

 

I highly doubt that any car company would stake their reputation (this means
money) on extending oil change intervals if the long term effects would be
negative.

Additionally the 3000 mile oil change interval has been around since about
the 50's I believe. Engine emissions have lowered significantly, the
engines heat up faster and maintain higher temperatures to help prevent
sludging, and the oil itself is ten fold better than it was. So I have to
call bullshit on your argument.

CaptainKrunch

 

I agree. Most new cars would probably do fine on 15,000 mile
intervals with normal driving. It wouldn't be recommended for a car
you care about, but the car would likely still be running fine even
after 60,000 miles.

Changing oil every 3,000 miles certainly doesnt hurt anything, but
the oil-change companies certainly appreciate it.

 

I'm sure the car companies determined the longer oil change interval
through testing.
You, too, can have your oil tested after changing it by sending a sample
to http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ $20-30 per test.
I haven't tried it with normal oil yet but the synthethic oil I drained
@ 9,000 miles was fine, per their report.

 

Or just do an oil change for less money! You then have "perfect" oil and a
new filter, plus a couple extra $ in your pocket.

 

since most cars have a power train warranty thats 70000 miles or 3 or 4
years wouldnt the companies have to pay for a major engine repair? that
doesnt make sense. also, the only repair you will need from failure to
change oil will be a major engine repair /

 

I don't understand what the hell you are saying

 

No shit.

Lamont, you need to to learn to _reply_ to posts, not start new threads.

 

Many people don't. He doesn't quote what he is responding to, and he either
starts new threads on all his responses, or just edits the subject line for
some odd reason.

Most of his postings "appear" to be random mumbling.

 

i change every 15k or so and have never had a problem... and that is on
two different hondas at 167K and 235K, it's true, the oil industry AND
the repair industry are behind the unnecessary oil changes...

 

I changed with regular NGK plug at 20K miles on my 97 accord. Engine
runs much smoother with new plug everytime.

Bought a set of NGK Iridium plugs from NGK.com, but haven't put them
in yet. I hope these plug will last 100K as advertised. Hope they make
Iridium plug for my lawn mower too.

For oil change, use Mobil 1 and follow OEM recommended replacement
(normal condition) and OEM filter. Synthetic oil can withstand high
temperature so there is no difference if it is severe or normal
operating condition. This will save your times, money and reduce
pollution.