MISHAWAKA — If you're headed out for your next oil change, pump the brakes! You may not need to change your oil every 3,000 miles.
What's behind the change? Jiffy Lube, one of the country's largest oil change companies, says where and how you drive matters most.
In 15 minutes or less, the Jiffy Lube crew gets people in, their oil changed and on their way. Usually they see their customers every 3,000 miles. But that's changing to 5,000 miles. In some cases, even longer.
"We no longer recommend time," said Brian Egick, general manager of the Jiffy Lube on McKinley in Mishawaka. "We are one of the first companies to do that."
What's under the hood is the reason why. Cars and their engines are built better. Gas quality has also improved.
Now, the oil change schedule recommended by Jiffy Lube is based on where you drive — like the conditions and distance. How you drive is also important — fast, slow, rarely, often.
"It doesn't mean it's wrong or bad, but it might shave 500 miles off what you would do," said Egick about the frequency.
Owners of independent shops like Trent Rajski, of Michiana Auto Pros said more miles make a bigger difference.
Rajski showed WSBT News the difference in consistency between new oil and oil at the 3,000-mile mark.
At 3,000 miles, Rajski said the oil is "not even the same consistency of the new oil. It's a thicker oil, dark, black."
Oil is designed to clean, cool, lubricate and seal. When that doesn't happen, Egick said it could lead to wear and tear.
If oil isn't changed regularly, bad things can happen.
"If they run it over a couple thousand, I'm not going to say the motor will blow up," said Rajski. "But it's not the best thing for the car."
While less frequent changes will save money now. Rajski and Egick caution trouble can add up later.
"It's the most neglected thing in a car people don't do," said Rajski. "The old saying 'you can pay me now or pay me later' — that basically applies to not changing your oil in your motor."
Egick said it is recommended to follow the guidelines set by your manufacturer in the driver manual.
Rajski said synthetic oil will decrease the frequency of your oil changes, but it is more expensive.
