3,000 mile myth
Encyclopedia
The 3,000 mile myth refers to a common belief that all cars
should have their motor oil
changed at least every 3000 miles (4,828 km) to maintain their car engine correctly. Efforts are under way to convince the public that this is not necessary, and that people should follow the advice given in their owner's manual rather than the advice of the oil-change businesses.
which was then used for a duration of 3,000 miles and later in the decade, 5W-30 became more commonplace. Today, one will see 5W-30 but more commonly 5W-20 and even 0W-20. Most European cars today use 0W-40 synthetic oils, and the dexos standard on some North American cars require synthetic oils.
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 requiring less frequent oil changes under normal driving conditions.
In response to this, car manufacturers include a manual with recommendations for how often the oil should be changed 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 19000 miles (30,577.5 km) (BMW) or 30000 miles (48,280.2 km) (VW).
CARS
Cars, or automobiles, motor cars, are wheeled motor vehicles used for transporting passengers.Cars or CARS may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Cars , a Disney/Pixar film series...
should have their motor oil
Motor oil
Motor oil or engine oil is an oil used for lubrication of various internal combustion engines. The main function is to lubricate moving parts; it also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.Motor oils are derived from...
changed at least every 3000 miles (4,828 km) to maintain their car engine correctly. Efforts are under way to convince the public that this is not necessary, and that people should follow the advice given in their owner's manual rather than the advice of the oil-change businesses.
History
In the 1970s, typical cars used 10W-40 oil which was used for a duration of 3000 mi (4,828 km) or less. In the 1980s, to improve fuel economy and engine performance 10W-30 oil was introducedwhich was then used for a duration of 3,000 miles and later in the decade, 5W-30 became more commonplace. Today, one will see 5W-30 but more commonly 5W-20 and even 0W-20. Most European cars today use 0W-40 synthetic oils, and the dexos standard on some North American cars require synthetic oils.
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 requiring less frequent oil changes under normal driving conditions.
Reasons
This recently identified "myth" has continued to exist 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 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 19000 miles (30,577.5 km) (BMW) or 30000 miles (48,280.2 km) (VW).