Steering You Right with Sharon Peters
Q: I bought a new 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee last summer, fully loaded, my fourth Jeep. At my last service visit, the service department recommended I bring it for oil changes every 3,500 miles. That seems excessive but it’s the dealership where I’ve bought all my Jeeps, I’ve had no past issues with these service guys, so I guess that’s the new recommendation for cars with all these new gizmos? What’s your feeling about this?
A: My feeling is very close to enraged.
Seriously, you’re a loyal customer, and they’re trying to soak you like this? Outrageous.
The additional information I collected from you after you wrote is that you’re 67 years old and drive primarily on urban streets and highways, about 9,000 or 10,000 miles a year. This is clearly information — your age, especially — that has not escaped the notice of the “service” “gentlemen.”
An oil change every 6,000 miles is perfectly adequate. And know this: That advice is coming from someone who’s rigid about oil changes, believing it nourishes an engine and supports its long and healthy life. I simply won’t scrimp on or get lazy about oil changes and tires.
You have a signaling device on your vehicle that will tell you when an oil change is necessary. There is no need to race in and get an oil change thousands of miles before it signals you.
I accessed the owner’s manual for your make and model. It doesn’t specify an exact mileage span for oil changes, but it does say this: “Operating conditions such as frequent short trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures and E85 fuel usage will influence when the ‘oil change required’ message is displayed … Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.”
That “don’t go more than 10,000 miles” business is pretty telling. And so is this line: “Change engine oil at 4,000 miles if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off-road environment. This type of use is considered ‘severe duty’.” So Jeep is suggesting 4,000 miles for extreme drivers but your service people say you, a retired man whose driving consists mostly of 200- to 600-mile road trips needs to change oil every 3,500? Right.
© CTW Features
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.
