On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:11:48 -0800, SMS
wrote:

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

Most new cars recommend 3000 miles under severe conditions.

Not true.

Some recommend 3000. A lot more recommend 5000 for severe, 7500 for
"normal."

The real problem is that the oil change industry has apparently
convinced many people that just about all driving falls into the severe
service category, even though the manufacturer makes it perfectly clear
what they consider severe service, and in reality few people fall into
that category.

Since there's no real downside, at least for the vehicle, in having
unnecessary oil changes, the "cheap insurance" excuses is regularly
trotted out.

Are you going to believe Honda and Toyota, two companies that are
absolutely anal about their reputation for long term dependability, or
are you going to believe Jiffy Lube?

A person forks over $30,000.00 or $40,000.00 to one of those dealers
you speak of who says from behind his $500 suit, "Nah, just change
the oil every 5,000 miles and don't worry about. Excuse me, I've got
to talk to a customer"
Same person pulls into a Jiffy Lube maybe 4 times a year and hears
an earnest kid in greasy overalls say "Oil and filter changed, added 2
pounds of air to front left and right rear tire, air filter ok, trans
fluid ok, topped off the washer fluid. You might want to get your
serpentine belt checked, sir. It's frayed. That'll be $21.99, sir.
Thank you for using Jiffy Lube. See you in 3 months or 3000 miles."

What's the better experience?
Now it's time for you to trot out the tales of oil streaks on the road
leaving Jiffy Lube and a blown engine because the kid cross threaded
the drain plug.
You got your stories, I got mine.

--Vic