Panic sets in when you discover that your oil should have been changed five months and two thousand miles ago (which ever came first). Don't panic just yet. If there's an adequate amount of oil in your engine you're not in serious trouble. But if your car had an oil leak or a low amount of oil, you'd be in serious trouble.
The car's engine is composed of metal pieces that are always in motion. The oil basically acts as a lubricant for the car. Failure to change it on a routine basis significantly reduces the engine's life span. Consider using a professional service to change your oil. It will not cost significantly more than a fresh filter and 5 or 6 quarts of oil. Besides, you also have to bring the used oil to an auto shop or mechanic for proper disposal.
Changing oil can be a hassle but the experts can do it blindfolded. It only takes 20 minutes and costs aren't that much more than buying just the parts themselves. However, if you're adamant about servicing your own car, continue reading.
First, get all of the essential supplies and tools together. The procedure requires a new oil filter, 5 or 6 quarts of the recommended oil (look at manual for your vehicle), an oil filter wrench, a socket set, rags and an oil pan or old bucket for catching the used oil. Take a quick drive around the block to warm up your engine. Remember, you only need to warm up the engine so you can loosen up the oil, which drains more efficiently when it is warm. However, hot oil is very hazardous! Do not overheat the oil.
After warming up the oil, place the pan right below the oil pan's drain plug. Use the socket wrench to take off the oil pan plug and let the oil flow out. Watch out for hot oil and try not to drop the plug into the pan. Wearing old clothing is recommended, as splattered oil can stain your clothes. Once you've drained the oil, use the filter wrench to remove the filter. Set it aside and use a fresh rag to clean the filter's mounting surface. Take the new filter and add a thin layer of oil to the gasket. Connect it to the vehicle and tighten it in accordance with the guidelines on the package (generally hand tight).
Lastly, install the oil pan plug. Open the hood and pour the proper amount of oil into the engine. Make sure you do not pour an excessive amount. It'll probably take some time for the fresh oil to trickle down. If the oil level on your stick appears to be too inadequate, give it another chance and add a very tiny amount. If you pour too much, you'll have to start the entire procedure all over again.
That's all there is to it. Clean up the mess and properly discard the used oil and filter. A local mechanic should be able to give you advice on where you can do this. Search for coupons if you're trying to save money. If you are unsure about the skills you picked up in auto shop, you might as well have your oil professionally changed. Good luck!
Isn't it funny that in fact, automotive manufacturers have not agreed with this "opinion" for more than 20 years.
So WHO created the "change your oil every 3,000 miles" rule anyway? And why, have we as consenting adults, with brains and knowledge of our own, bought into it for so many years?
Let's take a look at the "reasons" we've all heard, time and time again about why we SHOULD change our oil every 3,000 miles.
We're told:
1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles
2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance
3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember
4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics
5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.
But when we really look at the people, or entities that are URGING us to change our oil every 3,000 miles, we realize, they are the same people and companies that profit the most from us following their lead.
This is not to say that oil changes aren't important - they are. They're just not as frequently needed as we're made to believe.
Here are 5 FACTS about the 3,000 mile oil change myth.
1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles
2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it should be done in accordance with the manufacturer service intervals
3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.
4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologies
5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter - your oil will be just fine
So with all of that said, it begs the question; how often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it's clear that for today's vehicles it's not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.
So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you'll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn't it?
The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you'd only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That's a $60 savings. And not to mention all the "extra's" you are pressured to buy into while getting your oil changed. See below for more on these.
For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a very competitive market. They're also not very profitable for repair shops. However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances that shop has to sell you something else - an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc - these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren't needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only and performed by only a certified repair company.
A detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can't produce one quickly - you're in the wrong place for your car's needs.
Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It's fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.
Both Chris Jensen & Denise Palmer are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Chris Jensen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Food And Drink and Flirting Tips. Chris Jensen is a contributing author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and views visit now. Also, for the best up-to-date relat. Chris Jensen's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Denise Palmer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Family and Education. is your online superstore for truck accessories and parts. They offer great prices and free shipping on custom parts, as well as an extensive invento. Denise Palmer's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.