Oil change intervals

["Dave M." <doc1590@domain.elided>]

I don't really want to contribute to worn thread, but
I will.  The only reason the manufacturers recommend
7500 mile service intervals is that when the
independent ratings are done by magazines, "J.D.
Power" and the like, a model will get a higher rating
by virtue of their "Cost per Mile" of operation.

For non synthetic oil that old 3000 mile figure still
works pretty well but it's only a guide.
Some years ago, I used to do sales calls on Concrete
companies.  The company car I was driving was eaten up
after less then 50K miles.  If you drive in a
atmosphere of Pumice, you have to adjust oil and
filter intervals.  

My cars now spend 75% of their time on Interstate/
Freeway, and although the Alfa is treated to 3000 mile
service, my Nissan truck has it's oil and filter
changed every 5000 miles (sometimes more).  It's never
started and run for short trips and hardly ever sees a
dirt road.  It has 213,000 miles and uses one quart
between oil changes.  Never been apart and under valve
cover aluminum head is stained brown but clean. 
That's using the discount auto store brand oil or
whatever is on sale.
No hard rules here, IMHO!

Dave Miller
Deltona, Florida  


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