Oil Change intervals

Hi,

Can someone explain why our American cousins change the engine oil between
2000 and 5000 miles?

I've a 2002 A6 1.9 TDI and I've changed it as the computer has called for a
service - between 18K & 20K.

If I did it every 2000miles - it would be a monthly event!

I used to change the oil in my 1967 Beetle every 3000 (I think!) miles - but
then I used the recommended non-detergent oil - and it was cheap!

Mark

"Mark" wrote
> Can someone explain why our American cousins change the engine oil
> between 2000 and 5000 miles?

Marketing mainly. The likes of Jiffy Lube want you to change your oil
often so that they can make more money providing the service. Oil
companies don't object either - more oil purchased = more profits.


> I've a 2002 A6 1.9 TDI and I've changed it as the computer has called
> for a service - between 18K & 20K.
>
> If I did it every 2000miles - it would be a monthly event!

Yes, but you probably buy high quality expensive synthetic oil. Those
people who change their oil every 3K miles in the US usually buy mineral
oil that costs $1.50 per quart (liter). For $20-25 you can get a whole
oil change, including oil, filter, and labor.

Cheers,

Pete