Why the Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee requires you to change the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Are you a NORMAL or SEVERE driver? Take the test:
NORMAL SEVERE
You drive mostly longer trips on highways +
You drive mostly in moderate temperatures year-round +
You drive at sustained highway speeds during hot weather +
You take multiple short trips +
You spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic +
You drive in very cold and/or very hot temperatures +
You drive often under dusty conditions +
You often tow or carry heavy loads +
Like most U.S. drivers -- more than 80% of drivers, according to a recent State of California study, drive under SEVERE conditions, as defined in most owners’ manuals. IN OTHER WORDS, FOR MOST DRIVERS “SEVERE” IS “NORMAL.”
Sampling of Automaker oil change recommendations for NORMAL and SEVERE driving
AUTOMAKER NORMAL SEVERE
FORD 7,500 miles 3,000 miles
CHRYSLER 5,000 miles 3,000 miles
TOYOTA 5,000 miles 3,000 miles
NISSAN 7,500 miles 3,750 miles
NOTE: Typical automaker recommendations (can vary by model, engine, etc.)
A Word on Oil Change Indicator Lights
While we believe most consumers can rely on these indicator lights, we decided to stick with the 3,000 to 4,000 mile interval for the Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee -- to be safe and reflect the way most people drive. Typically, such systems continuously monitor everything from vehicle speed, rpm, oil and coolant temperature – to calculate motor oil additive degradation. At Valvoline’s laboratory and engine testing facilities we’ve NEVER seen an engine failure when the oil is changed at 3,000 to 4,000 miles using quality Valvoline products.
Older vehicles, older recommendations
Want another reason to change the oil every 3,000 miles? The median age of passenger cars in operation in the U.S. was 9.4 years in 2008, according to R. L. Polk & Co. Just over 41 percent of all cars were 11 years or older. Automakers recommended the 3,000 mile oil change interval for most of those 100 million older cars and trucks.
"Based on the uncertainty of what the future holds, consumers are trying to keep their current vehicles running longer, until their confidence improves," said Dave Goebel, solutions consultant for Polk's aftermarket team.
It kind of gives you a new perspective on recent automaker recommendations that raised the oil change interval, doesn’t it?
We make it EASY to keep your car running great . . .
The Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee makes it easy to remember to change your oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. We send simple reminders to those who enroll their vehicles. Of course, we know with a busy schedule you can’t always change your oil at exactly 3,000 miles, so we allow you to change your oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Why change the oil?
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. Quality motor oil keeps engines clean by:
* Minimizing deposit formation;
* Reducing oil consumption by fighting volatility and oil evaporation;
* Resisting oil thickening by providing enhanced oxidation control;
* Suspending contaminants and keeping them from interfering with vital engine parts;
* Preventing sludge from forming;
Changing the oil and filter removes the suspended contaminants and replenishes the oil’s performance agents that get consumed.
Who says so?
The Car Care Council
The most recent National Car Care Month check lanes found that 32% of vehicles failed the inspection because of low, overfull or dirty motor oil. “The Car Care Council recommends changing your vehicle’s engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the vehicle’s make and model, how you drive the vehicle and the conditions under which you drive,” the Council stated. “Always consult the owner’s manual.” Regular maintenance involves more than oil changes, too. Routine maintenance helps keep the vehicle safe and can save money. “Since four out of five vehicles checked need some type of service, it’s important to remind motorists that those who keep their cars, treat them as valuable investments and commit to regular vehicle maintenance, end up saving a lot of money,” according to the Council.
National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals. ASE recommends changing your oil and filter as specified in your manual – more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips. The Valvoline/ASE Poll of the American Mechanic consistently finds that the nation’s top mechanics (ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians) overwhelmingly recommend regular oil changes as the most important thing consumers can do to make their cars perform and last longer.
A Leading Consumer Advocacy Magazine
A 2002 report documented problems with sludge relative to specific engines made by several manufacturers. The magazine recommended changing the oil on the “extreme” (or “severe”) schedule to protect those engines from sludge.
Start Today!
Enroll your car or truck in the Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee. Change your oil regularly – or have it changed at your favorite dealer, quick lube, repair shop or tire store. You will be making sure your engine lasts 150,000, 225,000 or 300,000 miles and beyond. Valvoline is there for the life of your engine!
RIGHT COST + REGULAR SERVICE + PREMIUM VALVOLINE PRODUCTS = LONGER LASTING VEHICLE = LOWER OVERALL COST OF OPERATION = SAVINGS!
http://www.engineguarantee.com/display_page
Thoughts?
