For decades mechanics have told us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule – not in the past 20 years, in any way. So why are we told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it is useless?
First, consider the argument of the automotive industry. Made five main points.
1) Oil breaks down after 3,000 miles
2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance
3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember
4) 3,000-mile interval is traditionally considered the best by mechanics
5) It is necessary because of the elements, driving patterns and climatic conditions.
It is important to note that those who tell us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (automotive industry) are the same people who will benefit most. This does not mean that oil changes are not important – they are. They are just not as often as necessary to make us believe.

Here are five truths about the oil change 3,000 miles
1) The engine oil quality recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle breaks down after 3,000 miles
2) Yes, oil is a great preventive maintenance, but should be done according to the manufacturer’s service intervals
3) Easy to remember the 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the needs of vehicle maintenance. Therefore, it is easier to follow the factory, most economical and appropriate.
4) The traditional view that three thousand miles is better for your vehicle is old school waste and does not include mechanical technologies and today oil
5) Unless you are in a font change for high speed in the middle of winter – the oil will be fine
How often do you really need to change the oil? Although it depends on the year, make and model of your vehicle, it is clear that today’s vehicles, not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago in the case of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicles are 5,000, 7,500, 10,000 and even 15,000 mile service intervals for oil.
So just what is motivating the auto industry to drive 3000 miles oil changes? See, in real life. If you change the oil every 3,000 miles, and most want, average 15,000 miles per year, then you are in the repair shop 5 times in 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? It seems too right?
The change in oil prices average $ 30.00. $ 30.00 X 5 = 150.00. If you changed the oil every 5,000 miles, only three oil changes per year = $ 90. This represents a savings of $ 60.