Why do most quick lubes recommend changing oil every 5,000 km?
A. Unknown to the consumer is the fact that the refining of crude oil produces an excess of lubricant base oil vs. gasoline/diesel fuel. For every 160 liters (42 gallon) barrel of crude oil they produce: > 73 liters (19 gallons) of gasoline. > 2L (0.5 gallon) of engine oil base stock. The average car, meeting current CAFE standard of 27.5 MPG, driven for 5,000 kms (3,125 miles) would require 432 liters (113.64 gallons) of gasoline during which time 11.5 litres (3 gallons) of engine oil base stock will have been produced. The average oil change requires 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of engine oil, leaving a 7.6 liters (2 gallons) surplus. Modern engine oils are fully capable of living for more than 10,000 kilometers in a well tuned engine driven under normal conditions. Severe use such as very short trips, winter conditions, excessive idling, poor tuning or towing place greater stress on the oil and warrant a shorter change interval. Proponents of short oil change intervals will contend: 1. All
