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I asked ChatGPT what is the average oil change interval and here is what I got:
The average oil change interval for most vehicles is typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers). However, this can vary depending on factors such as the type of oil used, driving habits, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some newer vehicles equipped with synthetic oil and advanced engine technology may have longer intervals, sometimes up to 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) or more between oil changes. It’s important to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval for your specific model.
The short answers to what is correct and who is right is You. Ultimately it is your vehicle so you get to determine the best way to care for it. Let me explain. There has been a lot of debate for a long time as to how often to change the oil. The standard was 3 months of 3000 miles for a long time. That changed as motor oils got better and thinner. Tolerances in engines got closer. Vehicles could go longer without an oil change. We would have a more decisive answer had it not been for the the marketing and politics at the auto manufacturers. Along with the improvements in oils and engines came a big selling point for new vehicles, Cost of Ownership. Cost of ownership includes: Depreciation, Fuel, Insurance, Maintenance/Repairs, Taxes, and Financing costs. Out of all those costs the only one the manufacturers have any control of is Maintenance and repair. Thus the race to build cars that don’t break down and that can go further without fluid changes.
With the cost of ownership race going strong we are seeing technology built into cars that tell you when your due for an oil change. This technology is not taking any readings from your oil. It is simply an algorithm that tracks the mileage since your last oil change and how long it has been. Every vehicle manufacturer uses a different algorithm. My understanding is that the average person will drive 15,000 miles per year or 1,250 miles per month. If the vehicle is set up for oil changes every 7,500 miles that would work out to changing oil every 6 months. The catch is everyone has different driving habits. Not all will put that much mileage on a vehicle and others will put 5,000 or more on in a month. I have seen maintenance minders starting to keep up with different habits, but it’s still not full proof. So, the question raised to every vehicle owner is: Do you really want your everyday driver checked out only twice a year?
Because we associate an oil change with a vehicle inspection, one would have to assume that the vehicle is only checked for safety twice a year. What about tires and tire pressures? Do you have a leaky tire that you are going to remember to have checked at your next oil change? Are the fluid levels staying full? Is there enough windshield washer fluid for the next storm? What are the conditions of the air filters? Believe me, I get it, everytime you take your car for service your told about all the other things your car needs and it gets expensive quick. It’s worse than going to a doctor for an annual check up. Most repair shops offer a service that you can take your car in to have a basic inspection for little to no cost. You can also perform a lot of these basic checks yourself. With a few basic hand tools and a tire pressure gauge, keeping up on the needs of your vehicle is fairly simple to do. An excellent resource for this is your owners manual. Tire pressures should be checked monthly. Air filters can be inspected at oil change intervals but I like to check them myself before heading to the repair shop. Wiper blades need to be replaced at least yearly. Wipers just dry out or crack due to weather and being outside. Washer fluid is simple enough to fill and is very inexpensive.
What is the correct oil change interval? There again it’s up to you. As a rule of thumb, Chat GPT is fairly accurate, 5,000 to 7,500 miles. My recommendation would be to add a caveat, 5,000 to 7,500 miles or at least yearly. Most warranties and extended warranties will want proof of maintenance before authorizing any engine related repairs. They all have the “not covered” section that includes neglect. The 5,000 to 7,500 mile guideline will keep you protected in the instance where you are faced with an engine repair that should be covered by a manufacturer warranty or extended warranty. Maintenance is something that helps ensure your freedom and peace of mind. Ultimately the decision is yours.