Lube, Oil and Filter: A Slippery Slope
By: Grant W. RepsherWhy change your oil?
How often is best?
Knowing your oil types
What you can expect to payOil to your car's engine is like blood to your heart, so it's little wonder that changing your oil and filter is the single most important maintenance service you'll have done (or do) to your car. Even if you don't do anything else to maintain your vehicle other than fill it with gas, this is the one place where you really shouldn't cut corners. Fortunately, it's a fairly simple process that involves draining your old motor oil and replacing it with new oil, a new oil filter, and the gasket that's inserted into the filter to create a seal.
At the same time, this service can be somewhat controversial. For years, manufacturers, oil vendors, and repair facilities have pushed the notion that every vehicle should undergo an oil and filter change every 3,000 miles. Over time, we've learned that this isn't in fact the case. It's still widely accepted that this is still the most critical service for your car, but when it needs to be done is another matter entirely.
Before we get into the "when" of changing your oil and filter (sometimes called a "lube, oil and filter" service or, more commonly, an "oil change"), let's take a look at why this is such an essential maintenance item. From the moment you start your car, there are many internal metal parts that move in conjunction with, and against, one another under extreme temperatures and pressures. Proper lubrication of these components, therefore, is very important to their operation, efficiency, and longevity.
One of your car's dashboard instruments -- the Tachometer -- indicates how many times per minute these metal parts move against one another. If you hadn't noticed, this instrument is calibrated in thousands, meaning that your engine may be rotating at up to 6,000 revolutions per minute (also known as RPMs) or more. Imagine sliding down the tallest water slide at the largest water park in the country -- without any water. Having an improperly lubricated engine isn't just comparable, you'll find it to be far, far more painful. Run an engine without the necessary amount of oil in it, or fail to change it frequently enough, and you run the (very expensive) risk of having your engine grind to a permanent halt.
Back to the 3,000 mile myth, which was perpetuated by those who had a vested interest in selling more oil, filters, and related services. The idea was also supported by many manufacturers as a way of limiting warranty claims, service campaigns (recalls), and low-resale values for the very reason mentioned above: avoiding this service can lead to catastrophic failures in your car.
The fact of the matter is that there are many different types of engines, driving styles, and maintenance patterns among the general public. This means it's very difficult to present a "one size fits all" service interval. With the advent of new technologies and a better understanding of oil's properties, if experts were pressed to provide a single benchmark in terms of mileage it would likely be 5,000 miles. Having said that, there are many oil producers and brands that suggest, or even guarantee, effective oil-life and change intervals of 15,000 miles or more.
If you've been searching for a definitive answer to exactly when your specific engine requires an oil change, you may have come across two methods for determining what's best. While both are well regarded, neither is terribly practical. The first involves a completing a formula that takes into account such issues as your engine size and observed fuel efficiency (what kind of mileage you get). The second involves sending away a sample of your oil for analysis and receiving a customized oil change report. The results reveal the condition of your oil, but accurately using them to devise an ideal oil change schedule can be very complicated.
The single best piece of advice we can offer is to consult your owner's manual. Even though automotive manufacturers still have incentives for promoting frequent oil changes (for example, to ensure the long life of their vehicles and maintain the reputation of their products), competition in the industry has forced them to reduce maintenance costs for the consumer by stretching the maintenance intervals.
While both oil types -- conventional and synthetic -- will effectively lubricate your engine, it is generally accepted that some synthetic blends (and brands) are more effective in suspending particles and protecting your engine over a longer period of time. The issue, though, is that a synthetic oil change costs more than an oil change with regular oil, regardless of where it is done. Consumers, therefore, need to weigh the increased level of protection and convenience of fewer oil changes, against the elevated cost at each service appointment.
Typically, a conventional oil change for a car can be as low as $30 to $50, whereas synthetic oil will likely cost $60 to $80+, though prices vary between brands and are generally slightly more at dealerships versus independent repair shops or chain service store (these prices, of course, include both the labor and the cost of the materials, which the service department will provide). The benefits of using your local dealership? Some "quick-lube" facilities use an oil change as a way to lure in customers, who are then often pressured into additional (and usually unnecessary) services.
Additionally, dealerships are often more aware of service bulletins that may affect oil changes. For example, it's not unheard of for a manufacturer to update its recommendations for the size of an oil filter used or oil type based on ongoing research relevant to its vehicles.
A quick note about "weights," also known as the type of oil your car requires. Motor oils are categorized into different weight types, for example, 5W30 or 10W40. The first number describes the cold weather viscosity rating of the oil, while the second relates to the warm weather rating. The service department that you visit for your oil change will know which oil weight is best for your car, however you can also find this information in your owner's manual.
DIYers
Consumers with a basic knowledge of car repair can choose to handle their oil changes themselves; the process isn't particularly time-consuming or labor-intensive. Just be sure to use a draining receptacle larger than what you think is necessary (many have learned the hard -- and messy -- way that they underestimated the amount of oil that's in their car).
When it comes to disposing of your used motor oil, it's helpful to know that most states require garages and dealerships to accept it. If they don't, they will likely be able to direct you to a local facility that will recycle it for you free of charge.
Grant W. Repsher is the founder of Servassist Online. He is a writer with Automotive News, the auto industry's premier trade publication, and a former contributing editor with the AIADA (American International Automobile Dealers Association). To contact Grant about this article or to suggest future topics, please click here.
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