Car and engine manufacturers give recommended oil change intervals of around or between 2,000 to 7500 miles (corresponding to 3,200 to 12,000 km) between oil changes depending upon operating conditions. There are so many variables such as engine load, short trips, speed, prolonged idling and dust that an exact recommendation that fits all vehicles, their climates and environments and driving patterns is virtually impossible.
There are two major reasons why oil must be drained periodically. Contaminants can increase in number. When this occurs, the oil’s ability to lubricate and cool the engine is significantly reduced. Chemical changes are also a problem. Oil contains certain additives. These give the capacity to protect form rusting and corrosion of metals until they become depleted and oxidized. For clarification purposes, oil itself does not wear out. However, the additives, which are incorporated in the compound that are responsible for protecting metal parts against oxidation and other causes of deterioration, do. New oil and a new filter will help your engine perform better and last longer when it is done in the correct intervals.
The American Petroleum Institute says that this change should be done at “regular intervals” and check with the recommendations given in your car’s service manual. Usually, there are two types: one for mileage which, in most cars is as around 3,000 miles; and the other one is for time, at around three months. When it’s summer time decrease the recommendation by 10% and by winter 20%. For example, in winter the oil must be changed around 2,400 miles. This is the computation for maximum oil-change intervals. It might be a bit costly and inconvenient for some, but you are assured that the car is in good condition when you need it to be.
If on the other hand, operating conditions are other than ideal, the change interval will be shortened. In fact under the worst driving conditions for automotive engines – such as what occurs during dust storms, prolonged idling, constant starts and stops, the oil change interval may have to as little as only 500 to 1000 miles (that is approx 800 to 1600 kilometers.)
In that most auto engines are not operated under either extreme or ideal conditions, it is important to know the general conditions surrounding the use of the specific engine and in which specific vehicle that is question. In this manner , a reasonably accurate determination of the oil change interval can be made , stated and a recommendation made. However it should be emphasized that at no time should the manufacturer’s recommended maximum interval be extended or inflated. Lastly motorists with diesel engines – diesel powered trucks and diesel fueled cars be reminded that oil change intervals are shorter than with similar gasoline fueled cars and trucks. V:12