How should we maintain a car so that we get maximum mileage/reliability and durability?
By driving carefully, dealing with corrosion as soon as it appears and changing the oil every 6,000m or less. This is how my low mileage British Leyland Triumph TR7 has reached 38yrs old without 'restoration' - but it would obviously be a waste of time and money for a normal everyday car with an expected lifespan of merely 20yrs or so.
How often should oil be changed?
Every 10,000m or every two or three years if it's a poor pensioner's car and the annual mileage is only three or four thousand a year. Oil does not 'go off' after 365 days.
Are long life oils really long life
Yes. Oil technology has come a long way in the last 50yrs, and so have engines which now have almost airtight sumps and no longer allow as much steam and contamination to 'blow-by' the piston rings.
or is it marketing hype?
No - the motor trade would like to get you to change it every 365 days no matter what the mileage or usage but even they, at least the more scrupulous and knowledgeable ones, realise it is no longer necessary.
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