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I too worry about the long recommended change interval. But with a full synthetic (Mobil 1) I am happy with following Saab's severe duty schedule (5000 mile change and filter) for my new car.
Keep in mind that the original 3000 mile rule dates from the days of comparatively primitive pushrod engines that were often worn out before 100,000 miles, _in spite of_ 3000 mile oil changes. I don't want to hear about Uncle Bernie's Chevy that went past 250,000 miles - that was not at all common. Wear particles, and oil and gas blow-by past the piston rings, would contaminate the oil rapidly, so it was essential to dump it frequently. The Minute Lube places perpetuate this 3000 mile myth so that their teenaged "mechanics" will stay busy.
With a modern, well cared for, high quality Eurpoean engine you can confidently expect 200,000 or 300,000 miles, _and_ you can safely extend the change interval. The oil in my Audi A4 1.8T is only slightly dark when I change it at 5000 miles. And the level goes down not a millimeter. I am hoping for the same from my 2001 Aero Wagon.
Modern synthetics are wonderful lubricants.
Lola, I recommend that you follow the severe service intervals for your car since you live in a nasty urban driving environment. It really is hard on the engine to be in thick traffic constantly. So, if you haven't changed the oil yet at 6000 miles, go ahead now and change it and the filter. Then continue the regular 10k full services, with additional 5k oil changes in between. Use a full synthetic like Mobil 1 - the Saab brand oil is a blend of petro and synthetic. Mobil 1 is expensive - about $4.50 USD per quart - but if you haggle, you can probably get the dealer to give you a credit for the "free" Saab oil they did not have to put in your engine at the scheduled services. I have heard that Mobil 1 is on sale every now and then, but I have never encountered this phenomenon!
Frequent oil changes is indeed (relatively) cheap insurance. The trouble is that you have to wait 10 years to see if the trouble was worth it.
, Tue, 24 Apr 2001 00:11:36
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