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Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated - Car Talk - Nairaland

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Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by NaijautoDotCom(m): 11:29am On Dec 31, 2018
The rule of three months or 3,000 miles between two oil changes has been strictly followed by many motorists for a long time. However, this is has been busted as a myth by specialists. Let's explore the reasons why this rule it has become outdated today

Three months or 3,000 miles rule - where it comes from
First, let’s talk about the carburetors on cars which were manufactured decades ago. They collect moisture in the oil, which indirectly builds up the sludge and decreases the fuel efficiency.

Fuel dilution is another factor contributing to oil problems. Aside from that, oils in the past were inclined to muster more dirt and muck.

With all the above, 3 months or 3,000 miles was a standard measure to schedule an oil change in the past. But is the rule still applied to today's cars?

3 months or 3,000 miles were a standard measure to schedule an oil change in the past
The need for oil changes in modern vehicles
In fact, modern models require a longer interval between oil changes. Most of the time an oil change can be good for 6,000 miles, some even excel with 25,000 miles. Those are all thanks to high-quality synthetic oils, and improved engine mechanism.

Plenteous oil companies have introduced synthetic lubricants which can accompany the engines for thousands of miles. Additives are also added to benefit the engine parts.

Modern models require a wider gap between oil changes
So how often do I need to change my oil?
Frequent oil change is recommended by car manufacturers. However, if you have regular hard drives like on hilly roads, in extreme weather or towing heavy loads, you might need to change the filter more often. It will be signed by an engine light warning.

Of course, more frequent oil change won’t do any harm to your engine. The only thing that matters is it hurts your pocket. You might pay 2-3 times more money on fuel than necessary. Besides, consider the environmental burden from that frequent dumped oil.
https://naijauto.com/car-maintenance/oil-change-every-3-months-and-3000-miles-the-rule-has-been-outdated-738
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by EbukaIam: 9:52am On Dec 23, 2020
What's the exact number though?

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Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by smestudio: 6:25am On Dec 24, 2020
I think most cars now would let you know when they are due for an Oil Change. Honda's are very good at this and am sure it applies to all vehicle types too.
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by ITbomb(m): 6:42am On Dec 24, 2020
And some peeps even confuse 3000 km with 3000 miles

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Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by timenamoney: 6:57am On Dec 24, 2020
ITbomb:
And some peeps even confuse 3000 km with 3000 miles
some cars dashboard read in km while some read in miles, which ever way you find yourself always know that miles is higher
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by timenamoney: 7:22am On Dec 24, 2020
as for me I do 3500 miles base on factors 1) bad engine oil regulations in Nigeria 2) unchecked low engine oil quality 3)hot weather 4) using A.C on when parked and engine running on many occasions
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by timenamoney: 7:23am On Dec 24, 2020
as for me I do 3500 miles base on factors 1) bad engine oil regulations in Nigeria 2) unchecked low engine oil quality 3)hot weather 4) using A.C on when parked and engine running on many occasions
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by EbukaIam: 8:36am On Dec 29, 2020
Do you think 3500 miles is too long?
timenamoney:
as for me I do 3500 miles base on factors
1) bad engine oil regulations in Nigeria
2) unchecked low engine oil quality
3)hot weather
4) using A.C on when parked and engine running on many occasions
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by alphaNomega: 12:34pm On Dec 29, 2020
Follow the instructions on your car owner's manual
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by naijadrivablog: 3:23pm On Dec 29, 2020
Non-synthetic oils? I change monthly, whether I drove it once or cover 1000miles.
Re: Oil Change Every 3 Months And 3,000 Miles: The Rule Has Been Outdated by timenamoney: 10:06am On Dec 30, 2020
EbukaIam:
Do you think 3500 miles is too long?
no I gave some reasons for that ,my car oil change interval is is 5000 miles

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