Autoblog

California launches campaign against 3,000-mile oil changes

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:31:00 EST

If you ask the typical driver how often they should change their oil, the answer would likely be about 3,000 miles. But thanks to advances in engine and oil technology, the 3,000-mile barrier is just a number. Many vehicles can travel 7,500 miles or more between oil changes, but still a large number of drivers head to the nearest oil change facility for their 3,000-mile fix.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the State of California is looking to shift that paradigm with a new ad campaign that will encourage motorists to hold off on that early oil change. The Check Your Number campaign is instead imploring motorists to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, which in the case of BMW could be as high as 15,000 miles. The California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery points out that the longer oil change intervals could save 10 million gallons of oil every year.

While we're guessing that many tax-paying oil change facilities in California aren't big fans of this ad campaign, it could save consumers money and conserve resources. And the savings aren't just for California residents either. Nationally, 51 percent of vehicle owners feel they should change their oil at the 3,000 mile mark, and only 33 percent go beyond 4,000 miles.

California launches campaign against 3,000-mile oil changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto repair shop Valdez moment captured on security camera

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

There are some days at work that are rougher than others, and we all have them. Thankfully for most of us, those days and moments aren't typically captured by video camera. For one worker at an auto repair shop, however, that wasn't the case. He got to experience a new low recently, which involved a routine task, an awkward moment and giggling coworkers.

We can practically see Exxon Valdez captain Captain Joseph Hazelwood and BP public relations agents blanching from here. Click past the jump to soak it all in.

Continue reading Auto repair shop Valdez moment captured on security camera

Auto repair shop Valdez moment captured on security camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All hail the cartridge filter! 2011 Chevrolet Cruze makes changing oil a breeze

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM

Anyone that's ever done their own oil changes is familiar with the joys (or, ya know, not) of trying to access and then remove the filters on their engines. If you do manage to get it loose, there is the inevitable mess of oil dripping down your arm as you spin the filter off.

When the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze goes on sale later this year, both engines for the first time will feature a cartridge type filter that can be removed from above with almost no muss or fuss. Cartridge filters are basically just the internal paper element from traditional filters and they drop into a housing that's integrated into the cylinder block. GM has been using the same type of filter on the 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4-liter Ecotec engines for several years.

Besides being easier to change and tidier, they are also more environmentally friendly. There is less material from the filter itself to dispose of or recycle and any oil that spills with old-fashion filters often ends up in the local water supply. Also, having the cover with its seal on the top of the filter makes it far less prone to leaks that mess up your driveway. All hail the cartridge filter!

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading All hail the cartridge filter! 2011 Chevrolet Cruze makes changing oil a breeze

All hail the cartridge filter! 2011 Chevrolet Cruze makes changing oil a breeze originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupe, Supercars, Nissan

2009 Nissan GT-R in the Autoblog Garage - Click above to view in high resolution

Our fathers always told us there's no such thing as a free lunch, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Then along came the Nissan GT-R, billed as a "bargain supercar" for those of merely elevated means. With a list price below eighty grand and performance to embarrass exotics worth several times as much, it seemed like the shoestring exotic had finally arrived like Santa Claus on Christmas. Couple that with what you'd be forgiven for assuming would be reasonable ownership costs - it is, after all, a Nissan, not a Ferrari - and the impossible had appeared to have happened.

However, such optimistic judgments about upkeep may have been premature. That's what the boys over at Inside Line found when their GT-R was called in to have its fluids changed. With transmission fluid selling for over $100 a quart, plus labor, the costs added up rather quickly, resulting in a routine refresh of the car's fluids and filters adding up to a sign-of-the-times-if-we've-ever-seen-one total of $2009 and change. If that's a bargain, we don't want to know what expensive is. Follow the link below to see IL's full breakdown.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Inside Line]

Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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7,500-mile oil change becoming new standard

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance

As more vehicles come with synthetic motor oils from the factory, oil change interval recommendations have begun to increase. It looks like 7,500 miles is the new adapted standard. The synthetic oils experience less thermal breakdown and evaporative loss over time compared with conventional oil, which allows for less frequent oil services. Some vehicles have even forgone the traditional dipstick in favor of sensors that determine oil level and adjust the service interval in real time based on your driving habits. However, the decrease in oil changes also means a decrease in service business for dealerships. Dealers rightfully fear a reduction in customer retention and are unsure of the long run effect. Many have found solutions in prepaid maintenance contracts and complete service package deals such as combining tire rotation with your oil service. Also, despite their fears, dealerships won't completely lose out on regular customers as there will always be those reluctant to change their 5,000-mile oil change habit. Plus, there are many people who know the abuse they put their engine through, or don't trust electronic sensors and like to ride on the safe side with frequent oil changes.

[Source: Automotive News]

7,500-mile oil change becoming new standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford officially extends oil change interval to 7,500 miles

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Trends, Ford

Ford has been studying the question of when to suggest oil changes, and they've hit upon 7,500 miles for 2007 and newer cars. Not only are modern oils better, modern engines are also better. You don't have carburetors metering poorly on winter mornings, tolerances are a lot tighter, and operating temperatures are typically a little hotter, helping to cook off the junk that accumulates in the oil. Some manufacturers use a sensor to monitor the health of the oil and light a service lamp when it calculates change is required. Ford contends that its customers prefer a set amount of miles between changes. The automaker also cites the environmental benefits that come from less waste oil, monetary savings, as well as extensive tests as positive aspects of the new recommendation. I'm convinced that the only reason to suggest changing the oil at 3,000 miles in a modern car is to sell more oil. Perhaps an air-cooled Porsche would stress dino juice more, and could sensibly require changes at 3K, but you can stretch to drain intervals that would make your father gasp and clutch his chest by running modern oils in your modern engine. Of course, your driving pattern has a lot to do with it, as well. If you're in town for short hops, you'll require a shorter drain interval than the guy running Mobil 1 for his highway commute and changing the oil at 25 kilomile intervals (raising my hand).

[Source: AP]

Ford officially extends oil change interval to 7,500 miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up

Eric Bryant — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Technology

In 2006, we spent a lot of time spinning wrenches here in the Autoblog Garage in the process of taking on common maintenance tasks and a few performance upgrades. For your convenience, we've compiled links to each of the posts after the jump.

We already have some things in the works for 2007, but we'd also love to get suggestions for additional posts from our readership. Keep in mind that we need projects that have a relatively broad appeal, and we're a bit limited in our selection of "test subjects"; beyond that, we're all ears, so please share your ideas.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up

Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Master Mechanics vote for 3,000-mile oil change interval

John Neff — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance

In a survey conducted by Valvoline, sixty-percent of ASE certified Master Automobile technicians questioned said that a vehicle's oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. Twenty-nine percent said between 3,000-5,000 miles is acceptable and just two percent voted that between 5,000-10,000 miles is okay.

This has to be one of the oldest running debates in the world of car care. The advents of synthetic motor oil and systems that monitor oil life have weakened the age-old 3,000-mile argument. Special programs like BMW Assist (pdf), for instance, enable a vehicle to notify the dealer itself when an oil change is required, 3,000 miles be damned.

While it's true that the oil in your car is its lifeblood, it's tough to take serious a survey about oil change intervals that's conducted by Valvoline. (Those mechanics surveyed also just happened to vote Valvoline their number one oil of choice.) We're pretty certain those companies selling motor oil wouldn't mind 1,500-mile oil change intervals if someone were bold enough to recommend them.

The real question is how often do you wait to change your oil? We're curious if anyone out there who has a habit of going longer than 5,000 miles has suffered severe engine problems as a result.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Master Mechanics vote for 3,000-mile oil change interval originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TCC's Doug Flint: Dear auto repair facilities: flush you!

Erin Mays — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance

The Car Connection's resident mechanic, Doug Flint, wants you to resist the next time a quick lube shop tells you that you need your transmission fluid/differential oil/transfer case fluid/etc. etc., changed. Resist their scientific-looking pH strips and the repair guy's claims that the [insert fluid name here] fluid is just a little too [insert color here].

Doug Flint, in his infinite mechanic's wisdom, finally tells us what we've all been longing to hear ,but were too afraid to believe -- the only thing those repair shops are flushing is your wallet.

Read on for his advice on fluid exchange intervals and advice on resisting even the hardest of extra service sells.

[Source: TheCarConnection.com]

TCC's Doug Flint: Dear auto repair facilities: flush you! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance 101: Air filter change/clean

Eric Bryant — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Truck, GM, GMC

Oh, the humble air filter. Destined to toil away in darkness, it's often ignored when performing regular maintenance. That's a shame, because a clogged air filter can have dire consequences. In the short term, the additional restriction can dramatically decrease fuel economy and increase emissions-- a dirty element can increase fuel consumption by 10% or more. Should the filter pass dirt through to the delicate inner workings of the engine, severe damage can occur. Fortunately, it's usually quite straightforward to service the filter element.

[Click through to walk through the task of air-filter R&R...]

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 101: Air filter change/clean

Autoblog Maintenance 101: Air filter change/clean originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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