What I liked about Grove’s book was the very direct statement that a measure of fear is actually good. Complacency is one of the biggest enemies of any business, and the proper response to complacency is a modest level of anxiety that keeps us on our toes. Constant vigilance is a key component of success.

One of the changes affecting the quick lube industry these past 10 years is the lengthening of oil change intervals. When Ford this spring announced that it was stretching drain intervals for a few key models in 2007 and their entire 2008 line, the news caught peoples’ attention even outside the industry.

What’s Going On?
There are a variety of factors having an impact on drain intervals. No one can say for sure what will happen when, but things are happening. In this article I want to outline some of the issues that oil companies must take into consideration when making oil change recommendations.

Manufacturers’ Recommendations play a role in determining oil drain intervals.  Oil change recommendations for American-made cars have run from 5,000 to 10,000 mile intervals in recent years.  The longer drains today imply better quality.  The ambiguous definitions surrounding “normal” and “severe” service create an atmosphere of uncertainty that makes consumers insecure about extended oil service.

Maintenance schedules for other parts of the vehicle have an impact on oil drain recommendations.  A service regimen that dovetails oil change intervals with other maintenance checks is sensible.

Consumer wants include convenience, cost/value, clean environment, and friendly service. While cost is of high importance to many, others are willing to pay more for convenience and performance. For an increasing number, impact on the environment is a preeminent concern.  

Lubricant performance capabilities are an important factor when establishing drain intervals.  At a certain point in time, depending on the quality of the oil, the oil breaks down and the additives are depleted. It is no good suggesting drain intervals beyond the service life of the lubricant.

Basestock supply availability is a factor. Longer lasting synthetic motor oils have become increasingly popular due to their extended life capability.  Meanwhile, the basestock supply is limited. Nevertheless, there is plenty of supply to meet demand at current rates of growth, and for this reason synthetics should be promoted to any motorist driving a vehicle with a mechanically sound engine because of the benefits they provide.

Filter capabilities must also be evaluated. There is a limit to filter life, though new technologies are extending filter life to significant lengths. Proper filtration is an important facet of extending drain intervals and most major filter manufacturers have established service life standards that exceed the normal oil change recommendation.

Government regulations are also a driver in the equation.  EPA pressures have pushed auto manufacturers to limit emissions while extending miles per gallon. The oil companies and automakers face serious technical challenges in this arena.  As petroleum-based oil performance is beefed up, we’ve seen a shrinking price disparity between petroleum and superior synthetic oils, which more easily achieve the desired goals of regulators.(

Consumer desire for convenience impacts drain recommendations. This has been a major driver behind the OEM push to lengthen drain intervals as Ford has recently done and GM accomplished with its Oil Life Sensors. Our lives are increasingly complex. Everyone is seeking ways to streamline. Motorists know that neglecting maintenance altogether is not in their best interest.

Ironically, the installed oil market found its origin in this desire for convenience on the part of passenger car owners. An increasing number of motorists did not want to change their own oil and an industry was born.  Today, many busy motorists no longer see that trip to the lube shop as a convenience.  The frequent oil change has become a hassle.  Market savvy opportunists who capitalize on this consumer discontent will have an edge on their competitors as we enter the next century.

Balancing all these issues and the concerns of special interests has been no small feat.  No wonder change is slow when so many factors must be brought into consideration.  It would appear that sufficient experience, data and technology now exists to move forward.