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Today's Cars Log More Miles Between Oil Changes

3 May 1999

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association: Today's Cars Log More Miles Between Oil Changes

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 3 -- In 1969, oil changes
occurred every 3,000 miles; in 1999, car makers say owners can drive 7,500
miles between oil and filter changes.  Why?  Intervals between oil changes
have lengthened as vehicle manufacturers have designed more trouble-free,
lower-maintenance vehicles, according to Automotive Industry Status Report  --
a comprehensive report produced by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers
Association (MEMA).
    Founded in 1904, MEMA exclusively represents and serve more than 700 U.S.
manufacturers of motor vehicle components, tools and equipment, automotive
chemicals, and related products used in the production, repair, and
maintenance of all classes of motor vehicles.  MEMA is headquartered in
Research Triangle Park, N.C., and has offices in Washington, D.C.; Detroit,
Mich.; Yokohama, Japan; Brussels, Belgium; Mexico City, Mexico; and Sao Paulo,
Brazil.  More information is available from the MEMA website, http://www.mema.org.