Do I Need Oil Change Every 3000 Miles
With today’s oil technology, along with the new engine and fuel delivery technology, this is a question that gets asked more often than one thinks. Oil manufacturers have made huge breakthroughs in oil technology. This has allowed engine designers to make some very significant engine design breakthroughs. I personally use full synthetic oil in all my vehicles and a high quality oil filter and change my oil every 5,000 miles. I do not use the month’s method just miles traveled. Every vehicle in my fleet has over 200,000 miles on them and still performing at peak efficiency! Let’s face it, the cost of ownership for a vehicle plays a big role in the wallet.
The 3000 mile or 3 month oil change standard is a leftover from the days of sloppy fuel systems and old engine designs. Today’s engines are fitted with Sequential fuel injection systems and computer control timing. The amount of blow-by and fuel leaching into the crankcase, engine oil is virtually none existing. This alone was one of the major reasons for short oil changes. Engine sealing against moisture entering these new engine designs has been greatly improved. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation system (PCV) and increased engine operating temperatures have improved moisture control in the oil. This is all in place before the oil formula itself is managing all these engine and oil killing elements. A good oil filter will assist with keeping things clean and in order.
The benefit to using high quality synthetic oil is lower operating cost and longer engine life. If you operate your vehicle for the national average of 15,000 miles a year that’s three full synthetic oil changes a year. A full synthetic oil change average cost is $50.00. At only three a year that is $150.00 for maximum protection. Let’s look at the 3,000 miles or three months oil change we are being sold on. The average cost of none synthetic oil changes is about $30.00. You would need 5 oil changes a year if you operated your vehicle 15,000 miles. This would mean 5 trips to the service center. The cost would be $150.00 for the 5 oil changes at $30.00 per service. If you service the vehicles yourself like I do, you can get a full synthetic oil/filter change done for around $25.00. That would be $50.00 a year in oil changes. In my busy life, two less trips to the service center is time spent doing the thing I love to do. Time in my busy schedule is precious and in short amount. So the choice is yours, every 3,000 or 3 months with conventional oils or every 5,000 miles with full synthetic.
Do I Need Oil Change Every 3000 Miles
Dash Warning Lights Illuminating
Dash Warning Lights Illuminating, 2006 Jeep Commander, 4×4, 5.7 Liter Engine
Let’s get to work! First step is to verify the concern. The technician allowed the vehicle to sit over night as instructed by the owner. The next morning within a mile from start-up the dash warning lights illuminated! It looked like Christmas Lights on a Christmas tree. Back to the shop for a visual inspection of the brake system, Antilock brake system, and stability control system. The technician found no obvious damage to any of the sensors or wiring for these systems. The scan-tool was connected to the vehicle and retrieved a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0116 for the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, 1 Circuit Range/Performance. One would think this would have nothing to do with the traction control warning lights illuminating. A check for TSBs to match the code or concern resulted in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this code causing the lights to illuminate. The TSB instructed the technician to reflash the vehicle to eliminate the customer concern. The procedure for reprogramming the vehicle was performed following the manufacturers steps to obtain the correct results. The vehicle was driven with no other concerns found during the test drive. The next day the vehicle was driven and the dash did not illuminate with any warning lamps. The vehicle was returned to the owner. Several days later the owner contacted the technician and reported that the problem had not occurred at all and that the radio was working better? Further questioning of the owner by the technician revealed that he also had a radio problem and did not mention this when he brought the vehicle in for the original concern. The technician reflected on the vehicle and remembered that the radio was turned off during the test drives and diagnostic procedures. Shop policy strictly prohibits tampering with customers radios. The only thing a technician should do is lower the volume if needed. The case of the “Christmas Tree dash” was resolved by following sound diagnostic practices and this lead to a correct repair. The diagnostic trouble code leads to a TSB that required a reprogramming to resolve the complaint. The customer should always inform a technician of all concerns even if they think they are unrelated. Most reprograms from a manufacturer will repair many problems within a vehicle that may or may not be obvious to the owners.
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New Breed of Automotive Technicians
New Breed of Automotive Technicians
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The discussion about what the employer needs from the new breed of automotive technicians is a hot topic with everyone in the industry. From manufacturers to independent shop owners this is a major concern. It seems that every employer has a good idea about what they want from an entry level technician but have failed to recognize the needs of the new breed of a technician. After interviewing many people who are already in training in a career in the automotive industry and considering the automotive industry as a career this is what they had to offer.
They all agreed on the need for a stable work environment that offered a reliable income and the potential to grow. Continued education opportunities from the employer to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Safe work environment, with respect and professionalism not just words but practiced.
They all agreed on the need for an affordable medical plan that covered not only them but their family. A two week paid vacation benefit with paid sick days and holidays. A retirement plan that works, and is portable to another dealership or independent shop. Paid holidays and a scheduled 40 hour work week.
Starting wages that allow them to afford to pay their bills, purchase tools and move out of mom and dad’s house. Not getting stuck in the lube bay until they quit! They all understand they have to start somewhere but have been told by others that you could be stuck in the lube bay for years. This is not a great career outlook. They also need to pay back the cost of their automotive training to qualify for the job.
If the industry wants to keep a steady supply of talented young people entering the automotive career path of a technician, they need to rethink the pay and benefits they are offering. Most technicians who have been in the industry are telling these young potential technicians to elect another career and that if they had a chance to start all over they would have done something else. This is not a good situation for the industry and definitely has an impact on the people considering the industry.
What is the message? They want a career that is rewarding both financially and personally! They want the same opportunities that other careers offer.
New Breed of Automotive Technicians
Car Repair | Automotive Info | Auto Repair Help Blog
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Todays vehicles are the safest to date
Todays vehicles are the safest to date
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Todays vehicles are the safest to date for operators, passengers, and pedestrians. The technology used in braking, suspension and accident avoidance is awesome. If you are operating a vehicle that is more than 10 years old on a daily bases you are missing out on some awesome technology. These vehicles require some special repair and maintenance handling by the repairer. Some even require specialized alignment equipment and procedures to restore the vehicle to its design operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with drive by wire (DBW), steer by wire (SBW), Vehicle Skid Control (VDC), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) you have a vehicle that needs extra procedures during a wheel alignment. These vehicles use steering wheel angle sensors that detect and report steering wheel position to the computer system. They also use sensors that detect pitch and yaw of the vehicle. This is the feeling you get when you apply the brakes and feel the vehicle come upward from the rear and watch the front move downward. The system gets input from an accelerator sensor which indicates the speed of acceleration. What you need to know is after any repair to the steering or suspension that needs an alignment to complete the repair, will need these sensors to be reset by the repairer once all factory alignment setting have been made. This may require the alignment shop or person to connect a scan tool programmed to reset these sensors to the proper values for your vehicle system to perform properly. Some newer alignment equipment has this capability built into their alignment system. All computer system sensors must be set in accordance to manufacturers’ recommended procedures and values.
In summary if you need to have a wheel alignment done for any reason always make sure the shop has access to the proper repair and alignment information. Also make sure the shop has the proper equipment and software to reset any of the electronic sensors that make your vehicle operate safely and correctly. Enjoy the ride!
Todays vehicles are the safest to date for operators, passengers, and pedestrians.
Preventive Maintenance Goes A Long Way
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Automotive Maintenance is something most of us ignore, until our vehicle stops functioning, that is. And then we wonder what went wrong, where. Auto Maintenance is one of the most serious aspects of ownership. It determines the longevity, performance, and reliability of whichever vehicle you drive. Therefore regular maintenance is crucial. (Follow your car or truck Owner’s Manual)
Owner checks and service
When you fill up the gas tank you should check
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil when necessary. Note: Remember most cars should burn oil every 2000 miles or more. If you never had to add oil, it means the top half of your engine is not getting proper lubrication. That would indicate an engine problem. Reason is, the upper half of your engine “Valves” needs oil to lube all the moving parts in the engine head area.
NOTICE: It is important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your engine oil at the proper level can cause damage to your engine not covered by your warranty.
ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Inspect the engine coolant level and coolant mixture when necessary.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL
Inspect the fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid when necessary.
The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to maintain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle. Complete the necessary repairs and procedures on time. Use only the recommended fluids and lubricants.
At least once per month
Tire Inflation
Visually inspect tires including the spare tire. Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar.
Tire wear inspection and rotation every 6000 miles
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary, rotate the tires.
At least once per month
Starter switch check
CAUTION: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured
- Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
- Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
- Start the engine:
On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, the vehicle needs service.
Automatic transmission shut lock control check
CAUTION: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OF1 the engine immediately if it starts.
- Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
- Firmly apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
- With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but do not start the engine.
- Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
- If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.
Ignition transmission lock check
- With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
- Try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position:
- With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
- With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
- On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Park brake and automatic transmission park (p) Mechanism Check
CAUTION: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
CAUTION: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts. You or others could be injured, and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and an automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
- Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
- Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
- With the parking brake set, perform the following test:
- Start the engine.
- Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
- Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. If the vehicle moves adjust Park Brake. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, additionally perform the following test:
- SHIFT TO PARK (P).
- Release all brakes. If the vehicle moves adjust Park Brake.
Under body flushing service
Every spring uses plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Clean any areas where mud and another debris can collect thoroughly. And also, go to the nearest car wash and high-pressure spray engine with soap and rinse. All the above will keep oil and debris from softening hoses and corroding electrical components. Especially cars in colder climates, due to the salt trucks spreading the roads, can do a lot of damage to electrical components in the engine bay, anti-lock wheel sensors, and ride controls.