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OIL CHANGES

We do synthetic and regular oil changes.  We keep a flexible schedule to accommodate while-you-waits.  Call for an appointment.  We use a either original equipment or quality aftermarket oil filters, depending upon the circumstances. For a regular oil change, we use semi synthetic GF 4 rated oil.

OIL CHANGE INTERVALS

We recommend three thousand mile oil change intervals for both synthetic and non synthetic oils.  We also recommend changing nonsynthetic oil after four months.  This calendar limitation does not apply to synthetic oils. If you are a low mileage driver, it may be most cost beneficial to switch to synthetic and change the oil based only on the miles elapsed.

Most technicians adhere to this advice on their own vehicles.  A recent poll of roughly 6,000 automotive technicians worldwide produced the following results:
"What average oil change interval do you use on your personal vehicles?"

 2500 miles or less:    7.3%
 3000 miles or less:  54.3%
 3500 miles or less:    9.7%
 4000 miles or less:    7.8%
 4500 miles or less:    1.7%
 5000 miles or less:  12.3%
 7500 miles or less:    3.8%
Average from all responses:  3629 miles

Remember, our climate here in Minnesota is among the most severe represented by these survey takers.


WHY WE RECOMMEND A SHORTER INTERVAL THAN THE MANUFACTURERS

Actually, I should start this by stating we are NOT recommending "extra" maintenance to enhance our bottom line.  Actually, we find it far more profitable to do the repairs that result from poor maintenance habits than to do oil changes.  But, we want to see you spend you car dollars wisely and get good value for that money.  This is our business philosophy.

In the last five to ten years the manufacturers have gone crazy extending their oil change intervals. You have to wonder what they are thinking.  My opinion?  Good old planned obsolescence.  It seems that they want the engines to last through the warranty coverage, but not too much longer than that.  It has gotten to the point where some late model engines are just not available on the used market.  Why?  Too much demand for replacement engines, and  too few engines are useable when coming out of the wrecked cars.

Keep in mind too, that when the time comes to sell your car, you can usually command a higher price if you have well documented oil changes at short intervals.


There is a wealth of information on the web about problems with extended oil change intervals.
I will post links as I encounter them.

Corolla
http://www.corolland.com/forums/index.php?s=0460e8b36fb3df94798a8a460a15ad05&showtopic=17769&st=30