I heard a rumor that American cars sold in Europe have a longer recommended oil drain interval than their American counterpart.

Is this true?

And by the way, who came up with the 3,000 mile oil drain interval?

 

I have read that Europe does have longer drain intervals. I think I read this is beacuse oils are formulated somewhat different and Oil is MUCH more expensive there so you don't want to throw it away so fast.

I think the 3,000 mile oil change is from the old days, pre 70s when all manufacturers recommended 3,000 or shorter oil change intervals. Oil was much lower quality then and engines ran much dirtier. I have even read of engines from the 20s and 30s requiring the owner to open the crankcase and hose it out ever 1,000 or so, what a PITA.

the military is recommending much longer intervals than 3,000 but they also run oil analysis. for intersting reading do a seach for AOAP, I think that is Army Oil Analysis Program from LOGSA(Something logistics command for the Army).

I think mechanics still recommend the 3,000 interval because of 1)That's what my grandpappy told me, 2) That's the way we always did it, 3) Long experience, 4) It certainly doesn't hurt unless you are a tree hugger.

If it was me, I would go 3,000 miles with dino and stop and go driving or towing or "severe duty", 7,500 with syn. If i was doing purely long drives at near freeway speeds I would probably go 5,000-7,500(whatever the mfg said) with dino, and I might push to 10,000 or even 15,000 with syn. But note that even though I fit the "normal duty" profile in the manual I still don't like to go more than 7,500 with syn. I have done 15K with syn before but the oil had that weird muddy brown color which psychologically bothers me.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

The manual for my '95 F150 says to change the oil at 5,000 miles under normal schedule. The severe service schedule is 3000 miles. Severe duty is listed as:

Extensive idling
Trailer towing
Driving in severe dust
Police, Taxi, or Delivery

I don't do any of this so I should extend to 5000, but have until now been doing 3000. I am planning to get an oil analysis at 3000 this time and see how it looks. Hoping to extend the interval.

Interestingly the manual for the '77 F100 says to change oil every 7500 miles, except for severe service which again is 3000 miles. The '77 manual defines severe service similarly to the '95 but with more detail:

* Extended periods of idling or low speed operation such as door to door delivery.
* Towing treailers over 2,000 lbs. gross loaded weight for long distances.
* Operation when outside temperature remains below +10F for 60 days or more and most trips are less than 10 miles.
* Operation in severe dust conditions.
* Extended periods of high speed operation with fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).

 

FX4dude, That would be correct as European cars and trucks do not have the emiissions systems that you have in the states. They can run a much larger additive package that would kill the cat on your Ford. Some of the latest test oils are employing some interesting fatty acid esters that are showing great promise in being able to keep the TBN longer without all of the Phos. and Zinc that you would find in Europe. Most likely, if the auto manufacturers don't employ "lube for life" technology, you will be changing your oils at the recommended schedule of around 20,000 miles. The oils exist, they are not cheap, and the filters used will also replenish the additive package as mileage increases. Kinda like time release only different. Changes are on the horizon though.

 

That is interesting. where did you get this from?