I’m confused by this discussion…why? Well, you have so many perspectives and much of it comes down to economic. Which would make sense if you were talking a lot of dollars for any of these systems, but…you’re not. It’s only a couple hundred dollars. Not to make light of it but compared to your vehicle’s cost…this is peanuts.
What am I getting at? Well, EVERYONE wants to change their oil less often. It’s not a matter of expense, it’s a matter of time and convenience. If these issues were of no merit then why even offer a longer term alternative? So, the point is, we’re all lazy. Sorry, it just boils down to that. From my perspective, I’m busy and finding the little time it takes to get under the car and do a quality oil change is a pain. Especially when you live where it’s -10 in the winter for half the year. I’m sorry to admit it but I just don’t want to be under the car when it’s like that.
So, acknowledging that, the question becomes totally different. And am I accepting of the “hired” oil replacement services? NO I’m not. Like many of you, the “Jiffy Lubes” do nothing for me. I want something better for my vehicle. So, for conventional (even less) and a filter that’s garbage, I’d prefer to find another solution. Besides, if you “hire” it done the cost per quart is what…$14-$16 a quart. No doubt…ludicrous. There is your “economics” in action. Therefore…your dilemma too.
Then you’re faced with the question of how to better care for your very expensive engine and not be taken advantage of with totally sub-par products?
So, you look into longer life alternatives. All are kind of ridiculous, really. Spend the winter with better oil that can be contaminated far more. Use a restrictive filter to filter it down to a level that can sustain your inadequate service intervals. I’m not accusing, I’m living these realities. I just want a reasonable way to extend the intervals from below zero to below zero (end of November to early March…or later).
So, I’ve opted for a larger primary filter that allows better flow (Thanks Gary) and I’ve purchased an NTZ G26 filter to help me through this period. On top of that; I’ve NOT ONE DOUBT I’ll have cleaner oil and improved overall efficiency of my oil circulation and cleansing system. Will there be demonstrable results? Maybe, but likely not.
Will I waste some oil along the way? Surely! Yet, while I’m unable to perform “Jiffy Lube” filtration intervals, I’ll now have a clean engine and adequate filtration AND an oil that I can depend on (Schaeffer 5W-40). I can tell you that a quart of Schaeffer’s is FAR cheaper than the quick oil change services.
You guys make some strange comparisons. Why? Because if you just went to Jiffy Lube every 3k miles…you’d not have a thing to worry about. The filter, the oil, the engine, nothing would be stressed.
So, try to give up the analytical BULL and see it for what it is. Yes, we want better products for our vehicles. But, why? I think it’s fair to ask that you all, me included, come to terms with why.
Regards,
T
