The Bottom Line:One message. One voice. It?s time.

Jan. 1, 2020
I realize the OEMs use the 7,500-mile oil change as a marketing ploy for new car buyers, but it astounds me that they don?t recognize the benefit of sticking with the tried-and-true 3,000-mile oil change. And we have a fair number of people (who shou
I realize the OEMs use the 7,500-mile oil change as a marketing ploy for new car buyers, but it astounds me that they don’t recognize the benefit of sticking with the tried-and-true 3,000-mile oil change. Wouldn’t they rather be presented with the opportunity of having cars up on their racks –– with potential problems that need fixing –– than beat their chests over their technology? We could just write this practice off as being silly except that it hits the aftermarket right between the eyes.

But when we turn to our own industry, we have a fair number of people (who should know better) agreeing with the OEMs. Like the OEMs, they say it depends on whether motorists drive under “normal” or “severe” conditions. Since I don’t have much space here, I can’t get into a lengthy discussion about what is “normal” or “severe.” Suffice it to say when all is said and done, just turning on an engine could constitute “severe” conditions.

Imagine the ordinary Joe who knows next to nothing about car maintenance trying to decide when to get an oil change. Is he going to be able to figure out if he drives normally?

For me, I see the oil level check as the universal tie that binds all vehicle owners together. Pop the hood and in seconds you can make a quick assessment of how your engine –– the most vital part of your car –– is doing. And when you’re finished with that, you take a look around for any obvious problems. Plus, you check the windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid. By taking a few more minutes, you can check the pressure in your tires as well as the function of all of your lights. You get the picture. Checking your oil or having your oil checked is what jump starts vehicle maintenance.

But here we are as an industry in disagreement about the 3,000-mile oil change, an industry standard that has spanned several decades. HAVE WE LOST OUR MINDS? The debate is with the OEMs, not amongst ourselves. Instead of bickering over what is essentially a non-issue, the industry should post, display, advertise, tag and tattoo the 3,000-mile message in every auto parts store and repair shop from coast to coast.

Do motorists really want to take the risk of damaging their engines? And don’t they want their engines to work at peak performance and last a long time? Isn’t a $25 oil change every 3,000 miles worth some peace of mind for their second most expensive investment? WHY DO I HAVE TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS?

Face it, most motorists aren’t going to do a whole lot of research on this matter. Most likely, they’re going to go with the recommendation they get from you or your technician customer. If you’re wishy-washy about it, then maybe they’ll ask their brother-in-law for advice. Or worse, they’ll refer to their owner’s manual.

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