With the way todays cars and trucks are built, and how vehicle manufacturers have pushed for better quality additives in motor oils, you can expect better fuel economy, with longer time between service intervals, and a longer lasting engine, with fewer problems, a lot in part due to better oil technology.
Manufactures are getting the most out of the many improvements in oil technology; one benefit is the extended intervals between oil changes. For example just a little over 5 years ago the standard for an oil change was every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Today there are some special oils and manufacturers that suggest 10,000 miles between oil changes. Currently the most common oil service interval comes in at 7,500 miles, without sacrificing engine protection.
We recently ran across some driving habits, as well as "some fine print" in your owner's manual that throws the NORMAL rules out the window, and may void your warranty and dent your pocketbook.
If you plan on saving money on repairs by purchasing an extended warranty contract, and expect them to cover the expensive components such as the engine and transmission, you should read the fine print. There is a difference between NORMAL & SEVERE driving habits, and the service intervals are different as well.
So what is SEVERE driving? (check your owner's manual, these are just a few)
- If you drive less than 5 miles per trip or in freezing temperatures.
- Driving less than 10 miles per trip in normal temperatures.
- Driving in hot (over 90 degrees f) conditions.
- More than 50% operation in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90 degrees f.
- Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving.
- Driving with a rooftop carrier, or driving in mountainous conditions or towing a trailer.
- Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
- Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
And the one my wife likes the most
- Driving over 100 MPH.....
So what is NORMAL driving?
It is whatever is left or not listed above...
Under severe service driving habits, you can cut the normal service interval roughly in half. If your service interval normally was every 7,500 miles, then it would be due every 3,750 miles if used in severe service. But most schedules go back to the old every 3,000 miles between oil changes.
Most manufacturers will tell you in the owner's manual to follow the NORMAL schedule only if none of the conditions from the SEVERE schedule apply to your driving habits.
I would suggest only following the SEVERE schedule only during the time at which the condition/s matches. For example if your only match to the SEVERE criteria is: you drive over 100 mph for 3 months of the year, then follow the severe service schedule during those three months, then revert back to the NORMAL service schedule in your owner's manual.
Following your service intervals set by your vehicle's manufacturer, (normal or severe) will save you money in the long run and help your vehicle remain problem free and reliable.
