Q&A with David Harrison - July 03, 2008
Q: I have a new SUV. I have heard that synthetic oil is better for longer oil change intervals. If I put synthetic oil in the engine, will I still need to change it every 3,000 miles, or can I go 15,000 miles, as lots of oils claim?
- Mike in Alpharetta
A: For nearly as long as cars have been on the road, so goes the mantra “Change your oil every 3,000 miles.” But if you switch to synthetic oil, you can go more than 3,000 miles between oil changes. This is due to different characteristics that synthetic oil has, making it more durable for longer periods of time.
However, you do not want to go as long as 15,000 miles between oil changes. This is not because the oil will become ineffective or break down, but because when the oil itself gets dirty, it cannot clean any more. The oil filter also breaks down after an excessive period of time. The recommended oil change interval for synthetic oil is every 7,500 miles.
Q: I always hear that maintaining tire pressure is important, but never really understood why. Can you shed some light on the issue? I want to keep my family’s minivan in good operating condition.
- Sharon in Roswell
A: Hi Sharon. You are correct. It is important to monitor your tire pressures. The number one reason is safety. A properly inflated tire runs a much lower risk of failure due to a sidewall blowout. A tire that is over-inflated will wear out prematurely. In addition to safety, your fuel economy will also fare well if your tires are properly inflated. This is due to less rolling resistance – your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to propel the vehicle.
I recommend purchasing a good quality tire pressure gauge from a specialty automotive products retailer or shop. It is advised to adhere to the tire pressure limits as stated on a sticker usually located just inside the driver’s door, on the doorjamb.