Jul 11, 2008 4:29 pm US/Pacific
Save With Dave: Oil Changes
(CBS13)
We've always heard to change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. How much would you let it slide by a thousand miles or two?
The typical Californian drives about 15,000 miles a year. Using the 3,000 mile rule, that means 5 oil changes. But the State Integrated Waste Managment Board is on a campaign to let owners know they probably don't need to get it done that often.
"The 3,000 mile oil change was something that I think our grandfathers did, but with technology, the way cars are progressing, 3,000 miles is now a myth," said Margo Reid Brown, Integrated Waste Management Board.
Some automakers are now saying you can safely go 5,000 miles or more between oil changes. So instead of getting the car serviced five times a year you may only need three. And fewer changes means less oil that shops have to get rid of.
"In california we generate about 150-million gallons of used oil every year. And if that oil isn't properly disposed for recycling then that oil could get into our lakes streams and waterways," said Brown.
If you have any doubt about how far your car can go between services, check the owner's manual. So, depending on where you go, getting two fewer oil changes a year will save you $76.00.
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