Even though the article is titled, "should you change your oil every 15000 miles ? " , it clearly talks about extending oil change intervals for all oils; conventional to 7500 and even 10000 using oil analysis. While some have caught on to this fact and have mentioned what they use for oil, especially when using the 5k interval in comparison, many, like yourself have not. That is the idea behind my original post. My impression from the comments revolves around accepting the results of an analysis as worthwhile for a variety of reasons, then by many using their intervals in their arguments. That’s where the “apples to oranges” comparison begins to lack validity for those who don’t mention oil type or at least makes it hard to follow. The article clearly is not about synthetics only regardless of what it’s "come on " title is. It’s about extending oil change intervals for ALL OILS.
As far as fleet cars and trucks used by states, many of the cars you run into may have fewer then 150k at auctions you have attended especially those with very high idling times which are relatively safe otherwise. It is NOT a sample of all cars and trucks in a state fleet and what is done with them. Up to and well past 150k.
My instructor at the PT Academy used a high mileage car (much higher then the mileage limit you talked about) and that was years ago. They may even be higher now. I never specifically said anything about the use to 300k either and just disagreed with the use of 150k limit for cars and trucks in a state fleet. But, at least you have gone from never seeing one more then 150k to seldom seeing few near 200k.
Here is where I stand, I will just say it. Over the years I have maintained and over maintained many vehicles, lawnmowers, atvs, yard equipment ect…
I have never had engine problems related to lubrication. I have sold vehicles that I purchased new that I over maintained and they were not worth much more than a vehicle that had just the basic maintenance. One such vehicle was a 2002 wrangler, I over maintained the fluids, I was fanatical about keeping the salt off of it, keeping it clean, waxed ect… In the end It really wasn’t worth any more than one that had just basic oil changes.
I now just follow manufacturers recommendations, nothing more, nothing less.
That highlights one thing @MikeinNH doesn’t seem to understand. Whether I keep my vehicles for 150,000 miles or I keep them for 350,000 miles, I still maintain them the same way, mainly because I care about what shape the vehicle is in at 150,000 miles either way. Whether I intend to drive the same car for an additional 200,000 miles or I intend to sell it, I have the same interest in making sure the car is in good shape when it reaches 150,000 miles. It’s logically inherent in my self interest to make sure the car is properly maintained in either case so it will be in as good of shape as possible when it reaches the 150,000th mile.
That highlights one thing @MikeinNH doesn't seem to understand. Whether I keep my vehicles for 150,000 miles or I keep them for 350,000 miles, I still maintain them the same way, mainly because I care about what shape the vehicle is in at 150,000 miles either way.
HUH??? When did I ever say anything to the contrary?
So what vehicles have you been changing the oil every 15k miles that’s now over 300k miles?
@Whitey
I know what you mean but I think a little differently , though what you and I probably do to maintain a car are probably the same in the end. IMHO, the manufacturer has a built in life expectancy expectation for all the components on a car. Realistically, even changing your oil every 1000 will not guarantee most engines will go 300k miles. If you can believe CR, there are some motors out there, Subaru in particular in 4 cylinder form, that no amount of oil changes will keep you from having major problems.
My best friend is on his third Subaru, has his oil changed every 3k miles, and has had major motor work done on each car before 150 k miles…what does that tell you about oil changes on Subarus and longevity. Not related in his case. And, at (2003) 11 years, it has a rust hole big enough in the rocker panel to put your fist through.
The oil has a big influence on those parts that need it’s direct lubrication and cooling. Weaker components in the motor, like the head gasket can do your motor in, in a heart beat. The effects of turbo charging on lesser prepared motors like the ecoboost from Ford has yet to be determined, though it doesn’t ’ look good initially. Therefore, I have a legitimate expectation of getting about 200k to 250k out of a motor from a manufacturer with a good reputation using their recommendations, and I expect no more. IMO, these motors will start having failure rates if I maintain them better of not. So why bother when rust, “designed in”, life time lubed transmissions now, designed in life expectancy of electrical, cooling, air conditioning systems are all working against you after 10 to 15 years on all cars with 200k miles …boredom too. the Toyotas. I have had all have that built in property !
For what it’s worth, I had a used oil analysis done about 6 years ago on my Mustang. Blackstone basically said that the sample I sent in (5W-20 Pennzoil Platinum synthetic) was good for another 3000 miles The sample I sent in had 3000 miles on it. I’ve decided that changing the oil every 5k miles is a happy medium that’s easy to remember.
