Before you make an appointment to get your next oil change, listen up. Auto experts warn we are likely throwing several hundred dollars down the toilet. We may be falling victim to the three-thousand mile oil change myth.
It's something many of us have grown up hearing: Change your oil every three-thousand miles to make sure your car runs well.
There's probably a sticker on the corner of your windshield right now reminding you of your next service date, 3,000 miles from your last one.
According to Edmunds.com, the 3,000-mile rule is a myth. It's a marketing tactic used to get you into service bays. Auto experts say most cars can go much longer.
Laree Youngblood-White, an analyst with the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, says changing your oil every 3,000 miles is a thing of the past. Cars are built better and higher quality oils allow you to go much longer between service.
"That's what we all grew up with," she said. "Oils weren't made as well."
Edmunds.com says the average car's oil change interval is around 7,800 miles-- and as high as 20,000 miles in some cars.
If the average SUV owner skipped unnecessary service, about $1,800 dollars would be saved over the life of the car.
Some mechanics we talked to defended the three-thousand oil change recommendation. Some say it depends on driving patterns and environmental conditions.
