is it necessary to change oil every 3,500 miles or can i go to lets say 4,500 miles and save money?

Answer 1

If the recommended oil change interval is 3,500 miles, then you should stick to it.

Oil degrades after use so it gradually becomes less efficient . It also picks up loads of fine particles, muck and debris, which is why used oil always looks black.
The oil filter will filter out a lot of this stuff but the older and muckier the oil, the less the filter can cope. Result is much less lubrication than you started with after the last oil change.
Also, when the oil is changed, so is the filter so if you don't change the oil when you are supposed to, the filter will clog up and that is not good for the engine.
Here you will see the difference between a well maintained engine and a neglected one.
http://www.renault4.co.uk/tech-oil-change.htm
It's like looking at a smokers lung compared to a non smoker.. Scary!
It really is false economy to miss the oil change, you will probably pay for it later in repairs.

Answer 2

The more you change it the better. However, it you do change it every 4,500, then I doubt if it will make any difference in the long run. If you are going to do this, be sure to use a quality synthetic oil. They tend to last longer because they don't burn as quick. Also, be sure to change the filter when you change the oil, every time. Don't save money here. good luck.

Answer 3

Depends on how long you want to keep your car. You end up saving, what, 15-20 bucks a year? Assuming 10k miles a year and that you pay $20 to have your oil changed.

If you bought your car used with over 50k on it, you have no idea how well it was maintained before you so it's really up to you.

But if you bought your car new and plan to drive it into the ground, say 200k miles, stick to a change every 3k miles. Versus every 4.5k, you will spend $400 more over 200k miles, but you could save yourself from a potentially expensive repair later on.

Answer 4

What's cheaper, 30 bucks every 3000 miles or the cost of a new engine that failed because of contaminated oil. I'd change the oil and filter every 3k. There are oils out there on the market that boasts changes every 5k, but I don't have confidence in the hype.

Answer 5

I have gone the 3000 miles sometimes and some other times I have waited 6000 miles. Its all about how you drive your car and what kind of climate you live in. If you are a heavy foot or are aggressive driver I would say so. But if you drive like a grandma like me I usually go 5000-6000 miles.

Answer 6

If your car is in it's break in period (the first year) you should change your oil more frequently than 2500mi. When you engine is new it is making millions of micro shears as the moving parts settle into the most efficient fit. The loose micro sized metal pieces will cause damage to the cars moving parts. If the car is older it will be ok to wait for longer periods of time.

Answer 7

Most car manufactures are recommending you change your oil less often than historical standards for newer cars. For example Ford recently said for many 2007 models to change it between 5000-7500 miles. Check out this article.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660205770,00.html

Answer 8

it would be better to do it every 2500, But it all depends on how air tight your motor is if your air filter is up to par. just remember your oil is a lubricant that alows the motor to spin, any little specs of dirt eat the inside of the motor up then them little peices of metal make more peices of metal

Answer 9

you could buy the extended oil and go for the rating on it, they make up to 7,500 mi oil now

Answer 10

stay within those numbers. don't excede 5000.