Car service intervals, by what magic have they tripled in the last 5 years?

Question

What fantastic technical innovations have occured that mean cars these days have over 20,000 mile service intervals, when in the late 90s they were like 9000 miles?
I always understood that engine oil should be changed at least every 10,000 miles (5000 for diesels), how come new cars don't need this, or is it just marketing rubbish? If this is a case, how often should you really get your cars oil changed, if you want it to still be going strong after 10 years?

Answer 1

Modern long life oils attribute for the increase in the basic service intervals also modern bearing & piston ring tech has came on leaps & bounds which enables engines to run up huge milages without components wearing out.Personally l change oil every 3k & oil & filter every 6k/year which ever comes first.

Answer 2

Cars today use either half of fully synthetic oil which means that the oil does not break down so quick and thus last longer. You will also find a car normally does not have to be driven slowly for the first 1000 miles like they had to be 10 years ago, this is because of the tolerances are far greater when the engine is made and so can do full revs from new. Most new cars included mine record how you drive and so if you drive slowly and keep the revs down it wont asked to serviced until 18000 to 20000 miles but if you race the engine and speed every where then it can get as low as 12000 miles, lastly diesels are better at getting long service intervals on the hole than petrol, again this is down to the lower reving.

Answer 3

I don't know of any cars with a 20k Service Interval, or 9k, All new cars recommend changing oil at 3 to 7 k miles- Synthetic oil can last up to 15 k miles, (mobil one) and others- Where did you get this rubbish.

Answer 4

I've NEVER seen a car manufacturer recommend waiting until 20,000 miles to change the oil. Some aftermarket companies have claimed their special filters and oils can stay in a car for 20,000 miles, but I don't believe it.

I tend to stick with 5,000 mile oil change intervals myself.

Answer 5

The car manufacturers are in the business of selling cars. They want you to stretch those oil change intervals because it will help sell more cars. Most people should change their car's motor oil at 4-5,000 miles. If you run hot, drive short trips, pull a trailer, or run on dirt roads, change at 2,500 miles. Anyone running 9,000 is just asking for premature engine wear.

Answer 6

I were searching for a clean business enterprise automobile. I were searching for a Diesel automated. I have determined on an Audi A4 or A6. the clarification being 40mpg mixed for the a million.9td. A 2003 variety will value variety of 13K with leather-depending, even if the great MPG. you should probable get a more beneficial positive go back from a Prius or something similar, even if you could nicely be like me, needing a modicum of convenience for 30,000 miles a year.

Answer 7

change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles which every comes first. this is very important. newer cars have less ignition components that require changing. spark plugs on most american cars have platinum plugs that don't need changing for 100,000 miles. it is still a good idea to have your car inspected about every 10,000 miles or so to see if any parts are wearing out such as your brake pads ,belts and hoses

Answer 8

Go for the service record in you book get cam belt done after 50.000 miles but i would change oil after 7.500 miles and filter and put a good engine flush through it air filter 10.000 miles

Answer 9

Irv Gordon,
- owner of a pristine 1966 Volvo P1800 which he has driven more than 2,000,000 miles
says :
- change your oil and filter regularly,
- "if there is any one maintenance activity that will extend the life of your car's engine, this is it."

Answer 10

Change the oil when it looks dirty. Due to the various driving conditions (dusty, winter, heavy pulling and short runs to name a few) there is no need to change oil until it needs to be changed. Always change the filter when the oil looks dirty.