Originally Posted by
Brian Elfert
The majority of drivers should go by the severe duty cycle for oil changes. It is only if you travel long distances on the highway most of the time would you qualify for the normal cycle. My Dodge Grand Caravan has an oil life monitor. It does work because when I spent a week making many short 1/4 to 1/2 mile trips at 15 MPH the "oil change required" message came on after only 4,000 miles. I typically get between 7,500 and 8,000 miles per oil change.
My brother bought a 50,000 mile car in the late 80s. Engine blew at under 60,000 miles and was full of sludge. Mechanic thought the first owner never changed the oil. It cost him a bunch for an engine.