CIWMB Press Room Archives

New Website Educates Drivers About the 3,000 Mile Myth: Changing motor vehicle oil every 3,000 miles is not always recommended

SACRAMENTO—Today, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) launched "3000milemyth.org," to further educate Californians about the need to change their cars' oil based on their manufacturers' guidelines. By reducing the amount of used oil generated, motorists can do their part to help keep California green.

"Used motor oil poses a great risk to the environment. With better made cars and the rise of synthetic oils, the 3,000 mile standard is not always recommended," said CIWMB Chair Margo Reid Brown.

Research shows that the question of when to change a car's engine oil continues to be a consumer mystery. A recent study by the CIWMB found that 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than their manufacturer recommends, thereby generating more used oil waste.

According to 2005 data from the CIWMB, it is estimated that California generates approximately 153.5 million gallons of waste oil each year, however, only 91 million gallons (or 59 percent) of that waste oil is recycled.

Today's automakers often recommend driving longer distances between oil changes with no harm to the car's engine. This year, Ford Motor Company announced a recommendation that motorists change the oil every 7,500 miles for 2007 or new vehicles. In addition, newer cars even have a sensor to alert drivers when to change the oil. Drivers are encouraged to check their vehicle owner's manual for oil change guidelines. Recommendations vary based on vehicle model, make, year, and normal versus severe driving conditions.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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