Ten million cars guzzle 114 million gallons of motor oil every year in California. What’s more, a lot of people change their cars’ oil too frequently due to the outdated assumption that every 3,000 miles requires a change. The California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery, or CalRecycle, recently launched a public service campaign to address the 3,000 mile assumption. (Photo by Eggrole, Flickr)
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News brief by Courtney Hayden
Ten million cars guzzle 114 million gallons of motor oil every year in California. What’s more, a lot of this oil hasn’t lived out its useful life.
Many people change their cars’ oil too frequently due to the outdated assumption that every 3,000 miles require a change. The California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery, or CalRecycle, recently launched a public service campaign to address the 3,000-mile assumption.
According to Cal Recycle, new technology has made it possible for automobiles to maintain performance for longer periods of times between oil changes. For many cars, this means 5,000-7,000 miles. For others, it’s even 10,000 miles!
CheckYourNumber.Org, a website designed for cars built between 2000 and 2012, allows drivers to check the recommended mileage at which to change their oil. This varies by the car’s make, year, and model. Check Your Number is free, easier than poring through an owner’s manual and has the potential to save environmental and economic resources.
Sierra Club Green Home encourages readers from all states to use this tool, and to spread the word about the 3,000-mile myth!
For related articles, see:
Home Recycling Advice
Household Chemicals: Don’t Dump ‘Em!
Save Gas and the Environment with these Driving Tips
© 2012 SCGH, LLC.]]>
