Kyle's Corner (FYI) 'Recommended' Oil Change - Range

Just think, once we get to completely electric vehicles, there will be no need for engine oil changes for your vehicle. However, for now, engines need oil and filter changes and such are an important factor in avoiding expensive repair bills.

So how often should your engine's oil and filter be changed? Well, it partly depends on the driving conditions in which you drive. For example, short stop-and-go city driving generally requires more frequent oil and oil filter changes. On the other hand, long Interstate trips tend to be easier on a vehicle's engine and allow somewhat greater mileage in between oil changes.

Automakers 'Ëœrecommend' varying mileage levels for oil changes. In USA Today, manufacturers specified the following for 2011 vehicles '" Ford Taurus 10,000 miles, Porsche Cayenne 10,000 miles, Mitsubishi Lancer 5,000 miles, Lexus RS 350 10,000 miles, and Chrysler 200 8,000 miles.

In the past, it could be claimed that automakers had 'Ëœan incentive' to recommend high mileage in between oil changes as engines would wear out sooner and thus increase the need to buy a new vehicle. However, in today's highly competitive automotive market, automakers are offering better powertrain (engine and transmission) warranties. Thus, automakers do not want to pay for needless under warranty engine repairs. Additionally, customer satisfaction is a high priority for all automakers.

The old rule of thumb was to change the engine oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every three months. It is no secret that today's engines run cleaner and are generally of better quality than what was available two decades or even a decade ago. Thus, oil and filter changes are not required as frequently as in the past. On the other hand, today's engines are becoming smaller and they are required to work hard to deliver high levels of horsepower.

Most automakers are recommending oil changes at 8,000 '" 10,000 miles. I think it is wise to cut the mileage in half or to 4,000 '" 5,000 miles. This will help you to avoid breaking the oil change bank but achieve long engine life.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price -- " He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.