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How often should you change your oil? A survey by Valvoline of 300 of the nation's top ASE certified Master Technicians found that most reject the notion that conventional motor 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 still say the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles, a long recommended standard. Why? Because most drivers are short trip stop-and-go drivers, which causes moisture to accumulate more quickly in the crankcase, especially during cold weather. The oil itself may still be good for another couple thousand miles, but the accumulation of moisture is contaminating the oil and forming sludge.
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. The consensus is that longer oil change intervals are okay provided most of the driving is highway driving, and not during extremely hot or extremely cold weather. A top quality motor oil (full synthetic or synthetic blend) is also essential for extended oil change intervals.
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.
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.
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.
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