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The Truth About Oil Change Intervals and Analysis from Experts in the Field

A well-known mechanic/engine machinist and an oil lubrication expert reveal (among other things engine-related) what they say are truths about oil change intervals and their analysis.
The Finer Details About Motor Oil and Engines

For the DIY mechanic, the internet can be a confusing source of information.

More often than not when I have a problem with a rebuild such as I did this past week regarding the wiring system used on an older model that may or may not have had a hidden resistor wire in the harness, an odd-looking fuse that I could find a NOS (new old stock) part to use as a replacement, and being 100% certain about the correct torque specs to use when modifying an older cast iron engine block with lighter and cooler aluminum parts, I often turn to car repair/rebuild related internet forums for guidance.

The trick to using forums mining for information is to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff as the saying goes, to determine what is true from what is either a mistaken belief or outright incorrect advice that can make the difference between finding a new solution and creating a new problem for you and your car.

Questions about Oil and Your Engine―Where Do You Go?

No truer is this than when it comes to information from the internet regarding questions about oil and your engine.

For example, a recent search into whether Mobil 1 full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil is perfectly acceptable for your new model Toyota (with the manufacturer recommendation of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) 0W-16) as a substitute, can take you down a time-sucking dark rabbit hole of information, misinformation, and lack of information available. Especially since ExxonMobil makes TGMO motor oil for Toyota.

The conclusion I came to is that the Mobil 1 0W-20 is only slightly different than the TGMO 0W-16, but safe enough to use---at least temporarily.

But I cannot swear to it.

When in doubt the best recourse is to stick with the car manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular model’s motor oil type to insure you are not harming your car and that you are not risking voiding your vehicle’s warranty by using anything other than the recommended motor oil.

However, another recourse I adhere to is finding the right source of information―when possible―from experts who know and understand not just the details but the minutia often lacking in forum discussions. The value to this is that it often reveals gems of knowledge.

Expert Sources of Motor Oils and Engines

A good example of this is a recent Dave’s Auto Center YouTube channel episode this week where Dave teams up with the host of The Motor Oil Geek YouTube channel to talk about engines and how they are affected by the oils used when it comes to lubrication and protection.

Be forewarned, this video recommendation is not for the faint of heart or is a simple “do-this, not-that” type of video. Rather, it is more of a peek into the world of those who are very knowledgeable about engines and oil and are not afraid to admit that they are still learning.

Follow along with the hosts as they discuss some of the finer points of both gas and diesel engines and their fluids that include:

  • Why American gasoline should have certain additives when it does not.
  • Some points of why Zinc (zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate aka ZDDP) in motor oil is important, but not used in modern cars like it used to be.
  • The worst thing new car owners do to high performance cars.
  • What is a gapless piston ring and how does it work?
  • What car manufacturer oil change recommendations really mean.
  • Why there is no magical oil change interval for cars.
  • How your car’s maintenance reminder feature is really just a clock.
  • The one thing you can do to really know and understand what is currently going on with your engine.

Related article: Two Simple Ways to Test Your Unused Motor Oil at Home

I hope that you will find the video as enlightening and motivating to learn more as I have.

The Truth About Oil Change Intervals and Analysis

 

For additional articles related to oil and your car, here are three for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: The Need for New Engine Break-In Is Not a Myth Says This Expert

Image source: Deposit Photos

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Comments

Nat Oawster (not verified)    March 31, 2024 - 9:51PM

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I change my oil every 3000 miles . I have been doing it for years . I have a 2001 dodge ram . 315k miles on it . Still run great
I also have a BMW with 243k miles on it and it still runs great
3000 miles of oil changes.

Chad H (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 11:13AM

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I put 317K miles on a Toyota Sequoia before selling it in good running condition, and currently have 245K miles on a Mercedes GL450 and almost 200K miles on a BMW 535i. I've only used synthetic motor oil over the past 15 years or so and go at least 10K miles between oil changes. My mechanic told me that I'm wasting money if I change it sooner than that so that's been my interval. Seems to be working since I've never had an issue with the motors in my cars.

Franco Desandro (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 11:32AM

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Well, I have a 2012 Dodge Ram 2t00 with a 6.7L Cummins and a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, with a 5.9L Cummins.
I use Amsoil's extended interval Synthetic and change myboil every 10,000 mi.
One might say, well youe engine will wear faster. On the contrary.
My 2012 Ram has 282K mi and runs great and the 2006 has 475K and engines still run great.
Amsoils extended interval oil is rated at 24K miles, but since the Cummins has an issue with injectors diluting crankcase oil, I reduce it to 10 K..
Doing this, I have saved doing 111 Oil changes on the 2006 and 66 on the 2012..
This works out to aprx $17.700 in oil, over the years Considering I buy my own oil and change ot myself.

Regards

AutoMotive (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 12:28PM

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All my new vehicles used synthetic oil and 2 actually burned a quart off in 3000 miles. A new 1997 grand am with quad motor and 2011 kia optima sx with 2 liter turbo. Used convential oil and no issues. My last remaining gas suv is a 06 Jeep Commander with 52000 miles and synthetic since new. With 2 ev now its great not to have to service them for a good 100000 miles. Tires, wiper blades, cabin air filter is about it. Love both 2021 mach e GTPE 2023 Model Y AWD long range.

Herman monster (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 1:27PM

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Bottom line change your oil regularly around 2000 to 3000 miles. The cleaner you keep your engine the less headaches and repairs you will have. I have a car with over 200,000 miles, and I change the oil and filter every 2000 miles maintenance works.

jr (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 4:43PM

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That comment is pretty much pointless. What is your limited experience supposed to prove? I change my oil every 10k (Mobil 1) on several of my vehicles and have done so for years and they also still run great. That proves nothing either aside from throwing shade on the absolute need to change oil ever 3K.

Wes Prince (not verified)    April 1, 2024 - 6:46PM

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N=1 means nothing because conditions vary considerably as does quality of engines. When I sold my First Gen Highlander it had 550K and still ran great also. No one had ever done anything inside the engine. It only used 1 qt between oil changes which were 7500-10,000 mi. Mobil 1. Oh, and I drove that thing like it had 9 lives and the price of gas didn’t matter. My scandalous driving record is proof. Many trips fully loaded into the Appalachians. Here’s a tip I learned early. Unless you drive your SUV like a soccer mom, get Bosch rotors / brakes. Shop brand brake parts were a joke. Tried some other high end brakes - Stoptech, EBC, Powerstop. None were close to Bosch in holding up to fully loaded mountain driving.

Tom (not verified)    April 3, 2024 - 3:40PM

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If you change the oil in your car every 3000 miles you will probably not do any better in avoiding costly repairs than the person who drives it 10,000 miles between changes. But you will be able to brag on the internet about how anal and wasteful you are.