Automotive Engineer David Chao once and for all explains exactly how often you should change your oil and oil filter – based on engineering principles. David provides 3 scenarios (Criteria A, B, & C) so that you can decide where you fit in, and therefore decide on the best outcome while minimizing cost. Watch the entire video to find out how to determine the best frequency for oil change for your internal combustion engine vehicles.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.
Thank you everyone for your comments. A number of people have asked for a data as a backup – but you have to remember that when it comes to predicting the durability of engines, the best way to do that is to take the engine apart. You will then clearly see the residue of the oil, condition of the inner components etc, and often times the condition of the engine itself does not correlate with the condition of the engine oil. So it is very deceiving – and dangerous – to assume that the engine is in good condition due to the good condition of the oil (through data and analysis). People like AMD from Car Care Nut, myself as an automotive engineer, and Mr. Takumi Kurosawa (Nissan GT-R engine leader) have all taken hundreds of engines apart and correlated the condition to the frequency and type of engine oil used. That’s the best type of “data” and most accurate way to predict the engine condition (you can see it). Because I have taken apart hundreds and hundreds of automotive components apart, I know exactly what needs to be done to take care of automobile components and parts (not just engine), and my recommendations are based on these experiences. My two good friends AMD and Mr. Kurosawa will back me and support me as they have the same insights and ideas as in this video. I hope this helps you understand how I came up with my recommendations. At the end of the day, you are free to decide what to do based on your own experience and knowledge. I am simply sharing my insights based on 35 years of working with cars inside and out.
i change oil in my 05 GLI every 3k or less fully synthetic Liqui Moli (always) because of turbocharger… you didnt mention anything about turbocharged engines
very expencsive method .
Your oil change criteria “C” makes me never want to buy a lease return.
I seem to fit in Category A, possibly A+. I change my oil about 4 times a year, to keep the engine internals as clean as possible, and keep it well lubricated, which keeps the internal parts in better condition.
I use the Valvoline Restore & Protect motor oil.