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How Often Should I Change My Oil?
By 
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor
Q--The first new car I bought was a 1978 Honda Accord. The manual stated that the engine oil should be changed every 7500 miles or a least twice a year. Thinking I would keep the car forever, I changed the oil every 5000 miles, using brand-name multi-grade oil. I drove the Accord well over 100,000 miles.
Every new car I have had since: 1989 Honda Accord (over 100,000), 1999 Toyota Camry (at 90,000 – still going), I have always changed the oil at 5000 miles using normal multi-grade oil. I always felt that the 3000-mile mark became popular with the introduction of fast lube shops. What is your take?
A--My take is that you may pat yourself on the back. I also think that 5000 is probably a good number for many drivers. Engines have gotten tighter; there is less blow-by and less contamination of the oil.
Along with other factors, this is why oil-life monitors are now permitting us to drive 10,000 miles or more before oil changes. One caveat, however: If your driving style fits the “severe” category, change it by the book.
Comments (2 total)
3k oil changes and a word of caution....
By Jason | Posted: 13/7/2008
Oil changes every 3,000 miles are actually the invention of car dealerships (imagine that)! As car buyers have become more savvy shoppers, dealer profits have fallen on new car sales. The most profitable part of any new car dealership today- the service department! The last Honda that I purchased new, an '02 Accord, even came with a laminated service schedule showing oil changes due every 3,750 miles. Based on how busy they always seemed, apparently many buyers adhered to this schedule. I'm sure most people don't bother to read the warranty and simply follow the service schedule provided from the manufacturer. Just be certain to never exceed the service intervals shown in the owner's manual while the vehicle is still under warranty!!! If there was a powertrain-related failure, it wouldn't be pretty.
5K
By JKD | Posted: 22/7/2008
Most of the cars I've had came with the suggested 7500 mile oil change interval. However, my new Sienna has the 5K requirement which I find a bit strange since it's lower than what they used call for.
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