In the quest to meet the current mileage standards, auto manufacturers have implemented many innovative technologies. Among these are advanced lubrication systems. Today’s engines have tighter tolerances and generally use thinner oil. Instead of 2 or 3 grades of oil as in the past, there are now over 10 types. Aside from lubricating engine parts, oil also operates other systems like variable valve timing.
Manufacturers want to market their vehicles as low maintenance, so many recommend oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or greater. The oil change intervals for various 2010 popular vehicles are:
- Mercedes Benz 15,000 miles
- Mini Cooper non turbo 16,000 miles
- BMW 15,000 miles
- Audi 10,000 miles
- Volkswagen 10,000 miles
- Chevy 7,500 miles
- Volvo 7,500 miles
- Toyota 5,000 miles
- Honda 10,000 miles
During these long intervals, the shear forces in the engine degrade the lubricating capacity of the oil, the fuel residue turns the oil acidic and the carbon it collects begins to turn it to sludge. 10,000 miles or more on an oil change is unsafe. If your car was a dog, you would be charged with inhumane treatment! But since most vehicles come with free maintenance during the warranty period, it saves the manufacturer lots of money.
The problems that result from stretching out oil changes are many. Timing chains and tensioners wear out, cam phasers that adjust the valve timing get gummed up and quit working (fix it or fail the emission test), piston rings stick in the piston grooves and cause the engine to consume oil, engine seals deteriorate from the acidity and in general, engines wear out sooner.
We see many vehicles that come in after following these extended intervals and the oil level is already low. It used to be acceptable to use one quart of oil in 3000 miles. Now Mini says a quart in 700 to 1000 miles is acceptable (that could be 15 or more quarts between changes). VW says a quart in 1000 miles is acceptable.
To prevent these expensive problems oil changes using conventional oil should be done every 3000 miles or 3 months. Oil changes using Synthetic oil should be done every 5000 miles or 5 months.
Addison auto carries all the manufacturer recommended oils and we do a comprehensive inspection while we are performing your oil service. We want your vehicle to be as trouble free as possible. Oil is the single most important service on any vehicle.
