MOTORIST TIPS

1. Is it smart to change my oil at 3,000-mile intervals, as pushed by “Quick Lubes”?
2. What is actually required to keep my investment in good mechanical condition?
3. Does a “Quick Lube” do what is actually needed to keep my vehicle in reliable operating order?
4. What price do I really pay at a “Quick Lube”?

Your owner’s manual is the best place to start finding these answers. Most vehicle manuals recommend normal servicing intervals at 6,000–10,000 miles. Then why are the 3,000 mile “oil and filter changes” so stuck in peoples minds? It’s mostly due to Oil Company advertising and partially reinforced by our fathers always telling us it was the thing to do (and their fathers told them!). Unfortunately that information originated with very different vehicles. Those vehicles didn’t have the high quality oil, filters and engines we have today! Find out more at 3000milemyth.org.

Technology has come a long way in the last 30 years.

Gary LaPlante of Torco Oil International states “Consumers have been brainwashed, it is the oil giants who recommend 3,000 mile oil change intervals. The car manufacturers themselves recommend 5,000-7,500 mile intervals for most vehicles^*, and they have the most to lose if something goes wrong. So why then, would anyone recommend 3,000-mile intervals? Very simply, TO SELL MORE OIL and create business”!

At Larry’s AutoWorks we’ve known this for a long time, and have been recommending a factory type servicing at 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first^*, for many years. This is the only thing that makes sense based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, a concern for value, and a commitment to a Cleaner Environment. So the question really comes down to –

Would you rather spend your money on a factory recommended…

MINOR SERVICE

With only one visit to the shop every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first^*, you receive a complete maintenance inspection to eliminate surprises and possible breakdowns - performed by an ASE Certified Technician using premium quality parts.

or a…

“QUICKIE” OIL CHANGE

While it is true it can be done while-you-wait it still requires that you take your vehicle in every 3,000 miles. You never really know the condition of critical parts on your vehicle, twice as much waste oil goes into our environment, many times additional unneeded parts are installed, and a minimally trained individual works on one of your most expensive investments using low-cost parts. Money spent for nothing other than to line the big oil companies pockets?

The cost is almost the same, what you get is not even close! It’s your vehicle, your money, your environment and your time… You Decide!

^*Diesels & Turbocharged vehicles require more frequent services.