CIWMB Encourages Longer Drain Intervals

While most motor oil companies continue to push 3,000-mile oil drain intervals, vehicle manufacturers usually recommend longer intervals. In fact, Ford recommends drain intervals of 7,500 miles in its model year 2007 and newer vehicles, while oil monitoring systems in many newer vehicles allow motorists to extend drain intervals up to 12,000 miles. A recent study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) revealed that 73 percent of California drivers change oil more frequently than their vehicle's manufacturer recommends. The group launched the 3000milemyth.org website to encourage residents to reduce used oil volume by following the longer drain recommendations of vehicle manufacturers. "Used motor oil poses a great risk to the environment," said CIWMB Chair Margo Reid Brown. "With better made cars and the rise of synthetic oils, the 3,000-mile standard is not always recommended."