June 2006, www.AA1Car.comHow often should you change your oil? A recent survey by Valvoline of 300 of the nation's top ASE certified Master Technicians found that most reject the notion that oil can go 5,000 miles or more before it needs to be changed.
Technicians view oil as the lifeblood of the car engine, with 84 percent saying not getting a regular oil change can cause the most problems for a vehicle, when compared to other maintenance issues.
Sixty percent of the ASE certified master techs said the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles, the long recommended standard.
Only 29 percent said between 3,000-5,000 miles is okay.
Less than two percent said oil change intervals of 5,000 to 10,000 miles are acceptable.
According to the same survey, Valvoline remains the number one brand choice of ASE Master Automobile Technicians for use in their own cars and trucks, and is the brand of motor oil most recommended by them to customers, friends and relatives.
"The message from the top mechanics in the country comes out loud and clear," said Valvoline Marketing Director Bryan Emrich. "Changing oil with quality motor oil, like Valvoline, at regular intervals is the best way to prevent damage to your car's engine and keep more money in your pocket."
Emrich said regular oil changes protect the engine and reduce sludge, which can impact engine performance and avoid costly repairs.
Alternative Fuels: Matter of When, Not If
Technicians are divided in their opinion about when alternative fuels will replace gasoline in most American automobiles, but they universally believe it will happen, according to the survey.
"Clearly alternative fuels are on the minds of expert mechanics, just as they are capturing public and major automaker's attention as gas prices continue to rise and stay at higher than traditional levels," said Emrich.
Asked when most cars will be fueled by alternative fuels, the ASE mechanics predicted the following:
* 14 percent within five years
* 26 percent in five to 10 years
* 31 percent in 10 to 15 years
* 28 percent in more than 15 years
Only 1 percent said it would never happen. "Mechanics are the front line of car care and good predictors of trends. If they are right, it is a matter of when, not if alternative fuels will be the norm, rather than the exception," Emrich said.
Delayed Car Maintenance
While car owners know, intellectually and intuitively, that regular maintenance is important to keeping their four-wheeled investment in safe condition and working order, the reality is more and more Americans are not listening to conventional and proven wisdom. The vast majority of mechanics (87 percent) said they believe American car owners are putting off routine maintenance, mostly for cost reasons. Ironically, they overwhelming said (97 percent) that delayed care will cost an owner much more in the long run, as problems left unattended can multiply and lead to other issues.
Quality Issues in the U.S. Auto Industry
While 65 percent of the technicians surveyed believe the American autombiles are better than ever, 79 percent also said there is still a need to improve vehicle quality. Fifty percent believe there is consumer prejudice against U.S. automakers and 48 percent believe the demise of the American auto industry is "more media hype than reality."
About the Survey Respondents
The 300-plus ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians surveyed were certified for 14 years on average; more than one in four of those surveyed had been certified for more than 20 years. Participants in the survey are ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians, currently employed as an automotive technician on a full-time or part-time basis. For more information about technician certification, visit ASE .
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