Originally Posted by DGXR
10k service intervals are for "normal service" best-case scenarios, such as 75% highway miles, 15 mile (or longer) drives regularly, little city/stop-and-go driving, no dirt roads, etc. Everything else falls under the severe service category with shorter service intervals. Find out what the interval is for severe service, and get the service department to comply with the manufacturer's recommendation during the first 2 years/25,000 miles so your new vehicle gets the proper care. I mean, if you're truly under the normal service usage then go the full 10k, it will be fine. But there's no way I would run 10k intervals on a brand new vehicle with 8-mile daily commutes. That's a horrible way to treat a fresh engine, no matter how stout the oil is.
It's funny that the dealer will recommend 10k intervals during their "complementary service" because they want spend as little as possible.
But quick lube places will go with 5k or whatever the shortest interval is, because they want to do earn as much as possible.
Who is right? Too bad the industry is focused more on profits and less on what benefits the customer.
That's why I'm a real DIY service guy.
I think you put it right on the money. I've pretty much settled on every 5K/year and alternate with the dealer at 10k until the complimentary maintenance is over and take over from there. Free is free, but the worry is always if the mechanics they have are monkeys or reasonable folk that do a great job, but is it worth saving $40 per oil change for that gamble? But that's always the gamble since it isn't their car. That idea, I'll dwell on. I have at least a year to think it over. I mean, I'll let them rotate the tires and refill the washer fluid at 5K, or just take it down to discount tire since it seems those guys at my local shop seem to care about their work.