Oil Change Intervals, How Long should I go?
For many years the recommended oil change interval was every 3,000 miles. In the last so many years, vehicle manufacturers have stretched the oil change interval to 7,500 miles or even higher. Oil Technology has indeed progressed and while many of the oil products are capable of lasting the extra miles between oil changes there have been some problems. It seems for some automakers the recommended extended oil change interval is a bit optimistic!
We here at Zimmerman's Automotive, your Mechanicsburg Oil Change Facility, recommend still keeping your oil change interval at no longer than 5,000 miles. Why? As part of our oil change procedure we pre-check your oil level prior to performing your oil change. Our experience with doing pre-service oil level checks has shown us that 80-90% of the vehicles are at least 1 quart low of the proper level. Those customers who choose to extend their oil change interval between 7,500 and 10,000 mile are averaging between 2 and 3 quarts below the full level. Most automakers recommend that consumers check their oil level frequently, but with today's gas and go stations many drivers never check the oil. Worse yet most have never seen their owner's manual.
Why is this important?
Missing oil changes or extending your oil change too far can accelerate the wear on the vital parts of your engine. Engines today can give you many miles of service with 200,000 - 300,000 miles not being out of the normal range, but they must be properly maintained.
The Oil Experts
Most people think "oil is oil", but that can't be further from the truth! We here at Zimmerman's Automotive pride ourselves at keeping abreast of the ever changing oil technology. This allows us to be the experts in Mechanicsburg performing oil changes. Please stop by and allow us to help you maintain your vehicle to get the best "Return on Investment" and many miles on your expensive purchase.
Zimmerman's Automotive is your "family owned", no appointment necessary, oil change facility in Mechanicsburg open 8 am - 6 pm Monday thru Friday and 8 am - 4 pm on Saturday
Hope to see you soon!