Re: Synthetic Oil & Stuff

[Jeff W <hjr@buffnet.net>]

I have always been religious about changing oil, and currently have four

vehicles, two German, two Japanese.  Highest miles on the clock of the

four = 210K; Lowest number of the four = 135K ( The Audi has 145K )



I have considered switching to synthetic for several years.  I recently

had a discussion with a person that has made me think twice about

2500-3000 mile oil changes. (Not that it would apply to me; but it would

apply to a lot of people)



I don't know how the discussion started, but it had something to do with

the fact that it was time to change the oil in the Audi.  The person

responded with "Didn't you just change the oil?".  I responded with

"yes, 2500 miles ago".  The person said that I was being wasteful.  When

I inquired about his thoughts on changing oil, he responded "never"! 

(In actuality he thought that he changed the oil on average at 50K-60K

or so)



He explained his reasoning thus:  He drives 40K per year on average. 

Trades vehicles at 100K.  (Two and a half years)  Always buys Japanese

or German.  In the last ten years, had 4 vehicles, never had a problem. 

Checks the oil, adds when needed.  Says "give me a good reason why I

should change oil?"   



This person has a good point.  He knows that a Japanese and German

engine will give the life he's looking for with basically no

maintenance. ( One of his cars, a Toyota, had 95K on the clock when

traded and never had the oil changed!)  Strictly looks at his vehicles

for the transporation vs cost factor; no love of the technology, doesn't

care what the next owner will face.  I change my own oil, which cuts the

cost, but he doesn't, and in his words, changing the oil at my schedule

would cost him easily $ 1,000 over his ownership period. 



Of course, I would never follow his example, since I want to get 200K

out of my cars.  But this does have a bearing on the synthetic vs dino

discussion; why switch to synthetic if you are not lengthening the

service period to offset the cost?



Jeff



'88 80q