How Often Do You Change Your Oil?

Old habits are hard to break. Who doesn't remember their father going out to check the oil in the family car? I'm not sure dad even knew what he was doing, but someone way back when to him it was important to check the oil regularly. What would happen if you didn't have an oil change every 3,000 miles I don't know, but we all bought into the 3,000 mile number.

Recently consumer advocates and environmentalists are saying that changing oil that often is not necessary. I have read that cars from 2003 and newer do not need the oil changed so often. Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved to the point that most cars can go several thousand more miles before changing the oil. A better average, says Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com, is 7,500 between oil changes and sometimes up to 10,000 miles or more.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board ran public service announcements for several years about the 3,000 mile myth, urging drivers to wait longer between oil changes. Although the information is a few years old, the board has a list of cars on its web site and how often they need oil changes. The concern is not only the cost to drivers, but the environmental impact of throwing away good oil, said Mark Oldfield, a recycling specialist for the agency.

What actually happens if you don't change your oil? Well, it doesn't run out, it simply gets dirtier and dirtier. It's like mopping the floor with a bucket of dirty water. Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of the best known places for engine oil analysis, will send you a free kit. You send back an oil sample and for $25 they'll tell you all sorts of things about your car.

Most experts talk about the type of driving as a determining factor in how often to change the oil. Stop and go driving means more oil changes than longer-distance driving, for example. As always, you should consult your owner's manual for their recommendations. Many automobile makers are recommending more mileage between oil changes.

Old habits are hard to break, but this is a good one to examine. It will save you money and even though many dealerships recycle used oil, it will help reduce waste in the environment. My 2007 Saab is ready for an oil change, but I plan to wait another 1,000 miles.