Is it necessary for you to change your oil every 3000 miles? Before we get into that, let’s talk a bit about what oil actually does. If you are not a car enthusiast, there is a chance you have absolutely no idea, but oil is a very, very important component in your vehicle whether you realize it or not. First of all, within your vehicle there are a number of moving parts, all of which operate within mere millimeters from one another. That being the case for them to touch would be utterly devastating. Why? Because they would simply do their jobs for a few seconds ,and then they would most likely grind down to nothing more than a mere nub. The oil you put in your car will allow these components to operate, but they will rub together with a thin layer of oil between them. As time goes by, oil becomes dirty and contaminated, of course, and it will definitely cause problems if left alone. The big question that needs to be answered, however, is whether or not you really need to change your oil when the odometer strikes 3000. There are definitely some conflicting feelings on this matter, but the truth is easy to discern.
What Happens if you Don’t Change your Oil?
If you don’t change your oil, it will simply become dirtier and dirtier, much like a mop bucket full of detergent. Is this going to hurt the engine? Not at first, but it can’t hurt to be thorough. Now, what exactly is the dal with the 3,000 mile oil change? Why do people stick to it? As with most myths, there is some basis in reality, and if you look into the past, you will notice that cars of that era did in fact require an oil change every few thousand miles. These of course were just 56’ Chevys and the like, but we have obviously come a long way since then. Obviously, vehicles have much higher tolerances, and they can withstand the grind of ‘dirty’ oil for much longer.
Continuing the Myth
So if cars have higher tolerances now, then who exactly is pushing the 3000 mile myth? If you look around, you can actually see it quite clearly. You see, the vast majority of those insisting that you change your oil on a regular basis happen to be those who stand to profit from it. That’s right, oil and lube shops along with mechanics will always recommend you change every 3000 and why not? Their myths are definitely based in fact, to a point.
As drivers we have moved onward and upward to better vehicles, so unless you’re driving something that was made in the stone age for nostalgia purposes, feel free to change your oil every 7500 miles, as per manufacturer recommendations. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt a bit.
