Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times

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Sun 16 Feb 2003 22:14
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - Robert Fleming
Chap asks whether he should change his oil more often than every 9k. Says that his American friends change every 2k.

www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2105-577548,00.ht...l

"...with some manufacturers warranting engines up to 100,000 miles, you can bet that their servicing schedules have the best interests of the engine at heart."

Truly shocking.
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Sun 16 Feb 2003 22:51
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - Robin the Technician
The changing of oil is usually 12k or 12 months whichever is soonest. With modern day filtration, oil degradation is kept to a minimum. you can change the oil whenever you want- its up to you. I think 2k is excessive but could be dependent on the way the vehicle is used etc.
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Sun 16 Feb 2003 23:51
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - smokie
Isn't the point that Americans get a quick lube at a fraction of the cost of ours?
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Mon 17 Feb 2003 01:09
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - THe Growler
Coincidentally, my "20 ways to waste money" post.
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Mon 17 Feb 2003 09:08
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - John S
Robin

Filtration does little to 'keep oil degradation to a minimum'. Filtration does a vital job in removing particulate matter which would cause mechanical damage. However, it does nothing for viscosity degradation due to shear, nothing to replace additives which are used up in use, nothing to reduce oxidation and breakdown of the oil molecules themselves and nothing to remove contamination products due to short runs to name but four.

It's these key efects which contribute to engine wear, and these are the reasons that more frequent oil changes are a benefit in promoting long engine life.

Regards

John S
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Mon 17 Feb 2003 09:34
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - Nortones2
Does changing the oil so frequently really benefit the engine life significantly? And if so, is there any evidence is there for this? If short runs are the norm, a change every 6 months/6000 would be sensible. Otherwise use makers service schedule. The less time spent in the dealer the smaller the damage to car and wallet:)
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Mon 17 Feb 2003 11:49
Pernicious mendacity in the Sunday Times - John S
Nortones2

Depends how long you wish to keep the car. Most service schedules are geared to fleet use where the cars get long runs and are sold on after, say, 80k miles. They are probably OK 'till then, and this gives minimum cost of ownership.

However, there have been instances quoted here of the cam chain failing on 2.2 vectras (20k service intervals), at much lower mileages - believed due to lubrication problems. Micras are apparently also prone to similar problems. So, for private use, it seems sensible to adopt a much more conservative approach, such as the 6 months/6k you suggest, whatever the usage. Oil changes are cheap compared to engine rebuilds.

Regards

John S
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