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The 3,000 mile myth refers to the common belief in America that all cars should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles to maintain their car engine correctly.^[1]

[edit] History

In the 1970s, typical cars took 10W-40 oil which was used for a duration of 2,000 mi or less. In the 1980s, 5W-30 oils were introduced to improve gas mileage and engine performance which was then used for a duration of 3,000 miles. A modern typical application would use 5W-20 viscosity oil or synthetic oils which are used for durations greater than 7,500 miles.

From the early 1980s most oil change shops have been recommending an oil change every 3,000 miles. During the following decades engine technology and oil technology have advanced ^[2] requiring fewer oil changes and allowing cars to go longer without having their oil changed. Despite these advances the 3,000 mile oil change continues to persist.

[edit] Reasons

This myth has continued to propagate due to the complexity existing in today's car industry. The diverse array of cars and oil types available make it hard for an average person to reliably know what to do.

In response to this car manufacturers include a manual with recommendations for how often the oil should be changed.^[3][4] Often including recommendations based on driving conditions. Some models now come with a monitoring system that alerts the driver when the oil needs changing. Depending on driving conditions, these can extend change intervals to 10,000 or 15,000 miles. In case of diesel engines and manufacturer recommended long-life oil, the indicated change interval can be as long as 19,000 miles (BMW) or 30,000 miles (VW).

[edit] References

1. ^ State says many drivers change oil too often
2. ^ Goodwrench Sends the 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth to the Scrap Heap
3. ^ California EPA and General Motors team up to Help Drivers Reduce Oil Consumption
4. ^ New Website Educates Drivers About the 3,000 Mile Myth: Changing motor vehicle oil every 3,000 miles is not always recommended

[edit] External links

• 3,000 Mile Myth
• General Motors Joins Campaign to Demystify Oil Changes
• How Stuff Works Video Describing the Myth