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Changing your oil every 3,000 miles is a waste of both oil and money (Robert Couse-Baker, Flickr)
Savvy car owners know that changing the oil on their vehicle every 3,000 miles is overkill and a waste of money. California is taking the issue a step further with a public service campaign meant to not only save residents some cash, but to keep them from using oil unnecessarily.

"Our survey data found that nearly half of California drivers are still changing their oil at 3,000 miles or even sooner," Mark Oldfield, a spokesman for the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery, told the Los Angeles Times. Oldfield's office has launched the Check Your Number campaign to encourage drivers to go with the manufacturer's recommendations.

The 3,000-mile oil change pretty much went out with the Reagan era. In part because of the increased prescription of synthetic oils, which have displaced petroleum-based engine oil, most vehicles built in the last twenty years can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles before a change of oil and oil filter is needed. Drivers are encouraged, though, to monitor oil levels between 5,000 and 10,000 miles to see if some oil should be added. A malfunctioning or poorly maintained engine can burn oil faster than one in proper working order.

Ford Motor Co. recommends oil changes for most of its new vehicles at 10,000 miles, although some still require the service at 7,500 miles.

Honda and Acura vehicles have a "maintenance minder" system that recommends oil changes and other services based on various factors, including climate and mileage. BMW has a similar system. The oil change indicator on Hondas typically lights up between 5,000 and 10,000 miles depending on vehicle usage.

Changing engine oil according to manufacturer specifications would reduce motor-oil demand in California by about 10 million gallons a year, according to the agency. That would mean a lot less disposal and recycling of oil, as well as less consumption. The state has created a website, checkyournumber.org, where the public can look up the suggested motor-oil change interval for their vehicle.

And then there is the money. The price of an oil change varies greatly, and lots of quick-lube establishments dole out coupons to drive business. For average, mass market cars such as domestically built Fords and Chevys, the price usually ranges from $19.99 to $40.00. Imported cars such as BMWs and Volkswagens can run $75.00 to $120.00.

Changing the oil on a car that doesn't need it is like pouring water down the throat of a person who isn't thirsty. It won't extend the life of the engine or car to change perfectly good performing oil. But it will put a dent in your wallet.