We believe that information is key in properly servicing automobiles. Whether you drive a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW or other fine European car - or complete your journey daily with a domestic vehicle - you depend on good service to keep it running properly. That is part of our goal set at J&B Eurotech. Start with skilled and informed technicians to provide efficient and effective service to our customers - and then keep our customers informed about service options and repairs to keep their vehicles in the best condition possible.
10,000 Mile Oil Change Interval . . . . Don't Bet on them
In recent times, several of the automobile manufacturers have been calling for unusually long oil change intervals. It is not uncommon to see 10,000 mile intervals and beyond, especially on vehicles with interval timers and with computers designed to analyze the oil quality. There are two reasons for these extended intervals. The first reason is that less maintenance gives a better rating in "Consumer's Report". The second is that many of the manufacturers are giving free maintenance for the early life of the car, and they want to reduce costs.
We have seen an alarming increase in oil related failures in many of these vehicles. We almost never saw dirty engines, plugged oil intakes, stuck valves, worn rings, carbon stuck in seals, plugged return lines, and choked crankcase breather systems, until recently. The design of all of the modern engines has made them extremely reliable, until they are not maintained. Sales of new and rebuilt engines and engine parts were at an all time low until recently.
We have seen cars coming in with very dirty engines that have been run 10,000 miles between oil changes. When new oil is put in these cars, the "black death" loosens up and plugs off the oil intake. Sometimes the oil warning light will come on, but not always. If extensive work is not done immediately, the engine will be ruined.
We still expect to see good vehicles with 300,000 miles on the original engines as we have seen over and over again, but we know these will be the ones that are maintained. With the cost of a new car and especially the cost of an engine rebuild we want to see the longest life possible with the lowest long term ownership cost.
We recommend oil changes for cars with conventional oil every 3,500 miles or every 3 months. We recommend oil changes for vehicles with synthetic oil every 6,000 miles or every 12 months. The more a vehicle is used for short runs and low speeds around town, the more often the oil should be changed. Short runs with many starts are considered to be severe service. Long runs on the highway are not as hard on the engine oil.
Another thought about regular service. When the oil change is done by a qualified technician who cares about service, he or she will look for other potential problems and can often notice a problem before it costs you a breakdown.
Ask our service advisors what we recommend for your car, or call your new car dealer and ask what really happens to the cars that are not maintained. For new cars, regular service and oil changes support the manufacturer's warranty. It is not necessary to go back to the new car dealer for the regular service as long as it is done with quality parts by qualified technicians and the service is documented.
Seth Thorson Service Manager - JB Eurotech Service "Your Reasonable Dealer Alternative"
