For decades, mechanics have told us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automaker has agreed to this maintenance schedule, at least in the last 20 years. So why are we told to change the oil every 3000 miles if we don’t have to?

First, let’s look at the auto industry’s argument. It has 5 main points.

1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles

2) Oil changes are a great preventative maintenance

3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the auto repair customer to remember

4) Traditionally, mechanics consider the 3000 mile interval to be the best

5) It is necessary due to the elements, driving patterns and weather conditions.

It’s important to note that those who tell us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the auto industry) are the very people who will benefit the most. This is not to say that oil changes are not important, they are. They just aren’t needed as often as we’re led to believe.

Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change.

1) The quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer does not break down after 3000 miles

2) Yes, changing the oil is excellent preventative maintenance, but it should be done according to the manufacturer’s service intervals.

3) The easy-to-remember 3,000 mile interval actually creates more confusion as to your vehicle’s actual maintenance needs. Therefore, it is easier to follow the factory guidelines, cheaper and more appropriate.

4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and does not appreciate today’s oil and mechanical technologies.

5) Unless you’re on a constant switch from high speed cops in the dead of winter, your oil will be fine

How often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make and model of your vehicle, it is clear that for current vehicles it is not every 3000 miles. Twenty years ago this was true for many vehicles. However, this is practically obsolete as most vehicles have oil service intervals of 5,000, 7,500, 10,000 and even 15,000 miles.

So what motivates the auto industry to perform oil changes every 3,000 miles? Let’s see it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles and, like most, average 15,000 miles per year, then you’ll be in the repair shop 5 times in just 12 months. Do you really need to service your car 5 times a year? Seems excessive doesn’t it?

The average price of oil change is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you would only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That’s a savings of $60.

For the most part, oil changes are cheap as it is a very competitive market. They’re also not very profitable for repair shops (see the article Why an Oil Change Is Never Just an Oil Change on RepairTrust.com or EzineArticles.com). However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chance that shop has to sell you something else: an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shock absorbers, fuel cleaning services, transmission services, etc., these are money makers. This is not to say that these services are not necessary, but they should be performed only in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A detailed maintenance schedule from the manufacturer (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may come across one of all the unnecessary documents you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed printout of your complete maintenance schedule. If the service center can’t produce one quickly, you’re in the wrong place for your car needs.

Finally, have some fun: The next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask what the manufacturer recommends. It’s fun to watch him stumble over the answer or tell you, with a straight face, the wrong answer.