The Oil Industry on Extended Drains

The Lube Industry - Afraid of Lost Revenue

It's sad, but true. Oil companies and many quick lube operations know that synthetic oils are capable of extended drain intervals but are too afraid of lost revenue to admit it. In fact, here are a few quotes from different people in the automotive and lubrication industries which should illustrate what I mean:

According to GM's Mike McMillan, "Certainly there is technology available to raise the standard and extend the drain interval without compromising engine durability or removing the performance cushion ... Europe is already at a 9,000 mile drain interval and is seriously considering twice that".

Most other auto manufacturers agree. In the May 1996 issue of Lubes 'n' Greases representatives from the three major US auto makers detailed how lack of knowledge about available lubricant technology led to an unsatisfactory PCMO (Passenger Car Motor Oil) upgrade.

In "GM's Tough Agenda for Lubes," Lubes 'n' Greases reports that extended drains are a customer service issue. "...We're very concerned about engine durability and oil drain intervals particularly as they impact reducing the amount of maintenance our customers are required to perform. Customers want to minimize their vehicle maintenance time and changing engine oil is their single biggest remaining maintenance item. Addressing that issue is very important to us."

In response to this issue, GM has even come out with an oil life monitoring system for many of it's vehicles. Although it does not actually test the oil to determine its viability, it does monitor important system information to establish whether the oil is being exposed to conditions that would require a more frequent or less frequent change interval. The system isn't perfect, and it doesn't account for the long drain capability of synthetic oils, but it's at least a step in the right direction.

Additional Info via the Links Below:

page 1 - current : The Lube Industry - Afraid of Lost Revenue
page 2 : Quick Lubes Know Extended Drains Are Possible
page 3 : Extended Drains are an Environmental Necessity