3000 Mile Oil Change Myth

How often do you change your motor oil?  A new campaign sponsored by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) educates drivers about the 3,000 Mile Myth: Changing motor vehicle oil every 3,000 miles is not always recommended.   

Surprisingly, a recent study found that 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than their manufacturer recommends.  The goal of this campaign is get drivers 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.  

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.  

To find out how often you should change your car’s oil, visit 3000milemyth.org or read your vehicle manual.   To find out where you can recycle your used motor oil, visit Earth911.org or call San Dimas Public Works Department at (909) 394-6240.