Todd Z,
That's why I do Maintenance and don't wait for it to break down
So, how do you determine exactly when your oil breaks-down???
That is the problem we all face.
Years ago I had a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix before I bought my 2001 Job-1 Sport Trac. the GP had sensors that determined how long you had been driving, how hot the vehicle was running, how much stop-start driving you did vs long highway runs. It converted that data into a meaningful indicator of when you needed to change the oil? I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this system, but it seemed to work?
My Mercedes came from the factory with Mobil-1 synthetic and recoomended oil changes every 13K miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. I have used Mobil-1 synthetic in all my vehicles since my first Sport Trac oil change and it has worked well for me.
I am not promoting Mobil-1, but I mention this only because it is a quality oil that is easily found in auto parts stores, Discount stores and even in some large supermarkets.
I also chose to use a Synthetic oil for the longer change intervals. I always felt that 3000 miles was fine for conventional oils, it was often not convenient for me to change oil that often, especially when the automaker recommended 6K-7.5K oil changes. I used synthetic oils so that I could go 6-7K miles and if something came up where I did not have time, or simply forgot to change the oil, I knew that I could exceed the 7K miles with the confidence that no harm would be done.
You also need to realize that the automaker is trying to minimize their warranty costs at your expense. Even when the automaker specifies 7500 mile oil changes, the dealer often cuts that to 3000 miles, claiming that driving conditions in your stater or area are considered "Severe Driving Conditions"?
My leased 2013 Hyundai dealer has made that same exact claim, however they have no idea how and where I drive my Hyundai. Hyundai states that severe driving environment is "Excessive stop and go driving in extreme heat". Texas does get hot but I do not encounter much stop and go city traffic. Hyundai also says that "long, non-stop driving is considered as Severe Driving conditions, however I don't drive long distances (usually less than 20 miles non-stop) and when I do drive longer distances on a trip, I do change the oil sooner.
My point is that many people here are hung up on specific Brands, or appear to be anal about religiously changing oil at some exact point or mileage??
I say change the oil within the automakers requirements, and look at what they are considering as Severe driving conditions. That may or may not apply to you.
As long as you are changing the oil as often as necessary, with a brand name, quality oil that meets the automakers specifications, you do not need to go beyond that. Beyond that is often just a waste of money.
I don't feel that any oil you need to buy from a certified distributor is really necessary, especially when you need to have it shipped to you? You might get a discount, but the shipping, etc typically cost more or at best equals the same price as you would pay at a local retailer, and you can get it at a local retail outlet anytime you want without having to order it and wait for it to be shipped to you!
I am not arguing the quality of Amsoil or any other oil brands. My son-in-law sells Lucas Oil products. I'm sure they make good products, but I don't buy that either. I would just as soon, send him a check rather than order and wait for oil to be delivered to my door?
I guess I should say (if you have not already figured it out) that I am not a big fan of common commodities up-marketed to franchised distributors....that just adds another middleman's profit to the cost. Walmart and other retail outlets rely on volume sales and often at a lower price because of their buying power.
...Rich