Are Frequent Oil Changes Wasteful?

Prudent motorists have long adhered to the conventional wisdom that changing an engine's oil and filter every 3,000 miles is essential to prevent undue internal wear and tear. However, California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) contends that changing the oil that frequently only wastes money and natural resources.

"With significant advances in auto technology, it's important for drivers to understand that changing motor oil every 3,000 miles is an old default that may not be relevant for their vehicle," says CalRecycle director Caroll Mortensen. "Frequent oil changes do not necessarily mean better performance or longer engine life."

A CalRecycle survey suggests that almost 10 million Californians change their motor oil every 3,000 miles or less, which is far more frequent than most automakers suggest. Improvement in lubricants and engine technology enable today's vehicles to go for between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between changes. Consumers can check the recommended oil-change frequencies for their vehicles at www.CheckYourNumber.org. -