Is it actually necessary to change your oil every 3,000 miles?

I have heard different stories on this. I have had some people tell me that changing it every 3,000 miles prolongs engine life and even improves mileage. I have had other people tell that that it is a waste of money to do it that often.





Yes, I know that the people that make and sell the oil products recommend this, but they are, after all, selling their product so their recommendations may by somewhat biased.





If not every 3,000 miles, how long is oil actually good for?Is it actually necessary to change your oil every 3,000 miles?
Wow, everybody has a thumbs down... Rediculous. None are bad answers.





I don't see a problem with running a vehicle to 5000 miles before an oil change. I would also factor in driving conditions to your frequency of oil changes, more city driving then change sooner, more highway then less often.





My truck runs 90% highway, and usually not loaded. I go 8k-10k between changes (Oil analysis shows good at 8k). Truck has 193k miles on it with no issues (gas motor).


My wife's escape sees 70% highway 30% city, I change her's every ~5k miles.





My diesels I change at every 10k, they pull at max GCW about 70% of the time. Oil analysis shows good at 10k.





The best thing to do is get an analysis. Take a sample of oil to the lab after you put 3-4k miles on the car, and see what it is actually like. If it is good, you can go longer between changes and save yourself some cash.Is it actually necessary to change your oil every 3,000 miles?
The manufacturers often recommend changing oil at 7500 miles; the State of MI has its fleet change oil every 5000 miles. If you're doing a lot of driving in dirty/dusty environments, or putting a big strain on the engine (hauling heavy loads, etc.) you might want to err on the side of caution and do it at 3000, otherwise, as long as you keep it topped off, I think you can safely stretch it to 5000.





On a related note, I have a 2001 Pontiac Aztek (130,000+ miles so far) that I've used Amzoil synthethic oil %26amp; their high-end filter in since I bought it. I change oil once per year and change the filter 2x/year. I frequently haul heavy loads or trailers, and I've never had a problem with the engine that was oil-related; it doesn't leak or burn oil and the engine never runs hot, even when hauling a trailer 75+MPH in 90 degree weather.
Dirty oil is bad for the engine. How long does it take the oil to get dirty? This depends a lot on how you drive. Lots of stop/start, sitting in traffic and the engine is running without putting miles on. If this is you, I would stick to the 3,000 mile schedule.


If not, you can go longer, but I would never go more than 5,000 miles. When you consider the price to replace the engine or the car, it just isn't worth pushing it too far.
Newer cars nowadays come with the info on the instrument cluster telling you when you should need an oil change. If you have an older car, it is recommended you change it every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil, but it lasts longer. Synthetic oil can last twice as much or if not a little more. Talk to someone from a car place so they can recommend when and which oil you should use for your car.
If you use petroleum oil,change it every 3000 to 4000 miles.


Petroleum oil brakes down very fast.


Synthetic oil on the other hand (which I would use ) last about


12000 Miles (that's when I change it),cause you want to get rid of all the debris and metal particles,and if there would be


a perfect filtering system ,synthetic oil could last indefinitely.
when i started driving it was 6000 miles now they say 3000. not sure why but i don't want the expense of replacing engine.


haven't tried yet but told the synthetic oil will last longer and better for engine. when i get the money i will probably change but can't squeeze the money enough right now.
Newer cars these days - especially when using synthetic oil, can go 5,000 - 7,500 miles between oil changes unless being run hard in extreme conditions. Normal, Routine driving with synthetic oil, you can really stretch out the oil changes.
back in the 60's when engines weren't built as good as todays engines they recommended changing the oil every 4,000 miles and a filter change every other oil change, so todays engines should be fine to go 5,000 miles between changes with no problems.
not really!. if your engine is clean and not all gummed up, you can wait a little bit longer. you have some idea, by looking at the oil on the stick.
It's a ploy....





I change mine when it starts looking dirty. Reguardless of the mileage.


Sometimes I go 11,000 miles. Some times 4000....


It all depends on conditions. (weather, type of driving, etc.)
its good for that much if u need more miles us aams synthetic oil but it cost more or us lucas it u can get it at auto zone synthtic oil is good for 6000 but dont swich back to normal oil