CAFE Credits for Longer Oil Drain Intervals

[Method]

I know this is an older thread, but I found this link (.edu) that is hosted by the University of North Carolina.

• What are CAFE credits?
  Manufacturers can earn CAFE “credits” to offset deficiencies in their CAFE performances. Specifically, when the average fuel economy of either the passenger car or light truck fleet for a particular model year exceeds the established standard, the manufacturer earns credits. The amount of credit a manufacturer earns is determined by multiplying the tenths of a mile per gallon that the manufacturer exceeded the CAFE standard in that model year by the amount of vehicles they manufactured in that model year. These credits can be applied to any three consecutive model years immediately prior to or subsequent to the model year in which the credits are earned. The credits earned and applied to the model years prior to the model year for which the credits are earned are termed “carry back” credits, while those applied to model years subsequent to the model year in which the credits are earned are known as “carry forward” credits. Failure to exercise carry forward credits within the three years immediately following the year in which they are earned will result in the forfeiture of those credits. Credits cannot be passed between manufacturers or between fleets, e.g., from domestic passenger cars to light trucks.

Bullet 9: https://fbaum.unc.edu/lobby/_107th/..._Activities/NHTSA/NHTSA_Cafe_Overview_FAQ.htm

So, this mentions credits, but not anything related to oil change intervals. I wonder if there are other credits being used that the public isn't privy to because it isn't legally required to disclose? One would think that auto manufacturers would not want that information public but would agree to do so if it isn't disclosed. Sounds shady, but it wouldn't surprise me....

 

[billt460]

So, this mentions credits, but not anything related to oil change intervals.

I can't help but wonder if CAFE "credits" are given if manufacturers agree to increase OCI's? I'm betting they are.

 

[Method]

I can't help but wonder if CAFE "credits" are given if manufacturers agree to increase OCI's? I'm betting they are.

That's what I wonder as well. I can see both sides of the argument. The federal statute and guidance doesn't mention this as far as OCIs, but doesn't forbid it either.

 

[ripcord]

All of the relevant regulations and such are a matter of public record. Until such time as someone can produce an actual published EPA regulation, guideline, or formula, the answer to this question has to be no.

 

[Bill7]

Yup, it's about "Cost of Ownership". The lower OEMs can get that number, the more credits they can claim through "smaller carbon footprint", "fight against climate change", and all other woke language. Every penny counts.
Unless it's company jets for CEO, board of directors, or marketing teams. Those groups can blow as many pennies as they wish.

I've increased my oil change interval from 4,000 miles to 5,000 miles about 3 years ago. Initially this was a cost savings measure, but that also reduces the waste oil and waste oil filters I produce by 20%. I'm also considering moving to Toyota Corolla's for all my vehicles. They get about 40 MPG if you drive them with a light foot and go the speed limit on the highways (as driving at slower speeds saves gas).

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp

I honestly think there should be a law against corporate jets. The new Boeing CEO recently passed a directive that all executives must fly basic economy on commercial airlines to get any re-imbursement from the company for business trips. This is good for the Boeing shareholders too, as it reduces the companies cash burn. Going green to save the earth can also save a lot of money. It's a win/win situation.

But I think thinner oil has no benefit at all from a MPG perspective. I've measured my gas mileage with every oil change for the last 10 years in a spreadsheet and saw no benefit from moving from 5W-20 to 5W-30 on all my vehicles. I think the advantage might be unmeasurable for any 1 car, with the difference being less than 0.1 MPG (so I stay with 5W-30 for it's higher HTHS).

 

[billt460]

That's what I wonder as well. I can see both sides of the argument. The federal statute and guidance doesn't mention this as far as OCIs, but doesn't forbid it either.

The bottom line is the Federal government wants less fossil fuel and lubricants produced and used. It all correlates to their, "green agenda". So longer OCI's fall right into the text of the bible they so like to preach from.

If OCI's were to double in length overnight, (and many have over the last several years), that reduces the need of motor oil by 50% of what it currently is now. It won't cost the automakers a dime to employ, and they can adjust the warranty to whatever suits them. And the customer thinks they're saving money as well.

When the engine goes south, it's on the consumers dime, not theirs. They simply collect $$$ in the form of CAFE Credits, that they can use elsewhere as they see fit.

Most people, unlike the guys here, won't switch to better oils like HPL to compensate. They'll all run to Jiffy Lube, who will continue to pump their bulk crap into their customers crankcase, smiling all the way.

 

[Bkdc]

CAFE credit for long oil change interval? I've never heard that before.

"Cost of Ownership" is something the OEM's pay attention to, but I don't think CAFE is involved.

Does Cost of Ownership include the price of a replacement vehicle from extended OCI? And the environmental cost of manufacturing an extra vehicle?

 

[billt460]

Does Cost of Ownership include the price of a replacement vehicle from extended OCI? And the environmental cost of manufacturing an extra vehicle?

That's no joke. When Hyundai and Kia had to replace billions of dollars in engines, because of "recommending" these water thin oils, the cost of providing rental cars hurt them almost as much as the engines. (He mentions this from 2:00 - 2:30 in the video).

 

[Jetronic]

Can you link some of that?

it's a number that's been in press releases, but not about cars so much as their engines. I take note, but that's it. Mazda had a 15 year claim in advertisements last year.