The 3,000 mile oil change myth | Transportation

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Many people who have purchased new cars recently may be surprised about some new guidelines for oil changes.

Some auto manufacturers are suggested you stretch out that routine task from every 3,000 miles to every 5,000 miles now, depending on a few different factors.

Brittany Arnold was delighted to hear this, as she usually goes a few thousand miles past 3,000 anyway.

"It's all about money for me.  It's expensive to go every 3,000 miles.  So I put it off as long as I can," Arnold said.

That's fine, mechanics say, for some cars and some drivers.

"If you only drive your vehicle around town, three or four miles every day, sure you do need to change your oil every 3,000 miles," said Jeff York with Fleet Automotive on the west side of Charlotte.

However, he adds, those who hit the highways regularly can hold off a bit.  He says the quality of the oil used has changed and improved and more synthetic blends allow drivers to go a little longer between oil changes.

James Bell is the head of Consumer Affairs for General Motors.  He says some cars will tell you when it's time.

"If you have a GM or Honda it will have an oil life monitor in it which will show you the health of the oil," Bell said.

He recommends you also pay close attention to your owner's manual which will detail just how often you need an oil change.

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