I know one question that comes up quite often is “How often should I change my oil?” While I don’t have the answer to that question I thought I would throw out a little information that I think is worth considering when oil change frequency and gas mileage come up.

The US has just 21 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, that’s down 44% from 39 billion in 1970. That’s just 2% of the world’s proven reserves. The world is consuming 25 billion barrels of oil a year, but discovering only 7 billion. In fact, every year for the past 20 years the industry has pumped more oil than it has discovered. Since the mid 1980’s the world’s daily oil consumption has jumped over 35% while oil production has climbed only 10%. Oil discoveries peaked in the early 1960’s and 80% of today’s production comes from fields discovered before 1973. And many of these older oil replacement fields are increasingly scarce.

Oil is vitally important. It is the only commodity that wars are fought over and we don't seem to be finding enough for the future. To each his own but it is this knowledge that prompted me to consider extended drain intervals and any new technology within reason that will help conserve fuel.

That said, I'm still not ready to trade my F-250 for a Saturn but hey, it's a start.

Cheers

 

Good points. My dealer is fine with servicing every 5,000 miles and it's okay with me.

As to our oil reserves, what really bugs me is, why are we burning our own oil? Why don't we import more and save ours for the future?

 

I would think that frequent oil changes are just a drop in the bucket.

Fuel consumption would have more impact, and by driving and F150s we're not exactly doing out part.

Still, your information is good, and sobering.

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'99 XL 2x4 4.2L SC 5-Spd SC Black over Silver
Penda Liner, Chrome Tubular Step Bars, Prime Designs Bug Deflector


[This message has been edited by Doug Wilkerson (edited 03-19-2001).]

 

Heres a thought,, synthetic is man made I beleive, so are the synthetic users helping in the conservation of oil?. Keep in mind that I'm not an expert on oil, but the man made thing kind of made me wonder about it. Hmmmm, so if its man made, how come so damn expensive, oh boy here we go!!.

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"99" F-150 4x2,SC, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.
"Gutless thing!!"