Tech Tip - Oil Changes

Is changing your engine oil every 2500 miles a rip-off? Possibly. If you drive gently and only drive on the highway in moderate temperatures or don't plan on keeping your bike more than 20,000 - 30,000 miles from new, then you can safely extend those oil change intervals.

Mechanics recommend oil changes every 2500 miles not because they like doing them, in fact oil changes are not high on their want to do list, but because everyday they see the difference in bikes that have been serviced regularly and those that haven't. Plugged oil passages or oil pump inlet screens, lifter or other engine noises, stuck piston rings, loss of oil pressure, premature engine wear or failure - all symptoms of extended oil changes.  Some engines are more forgiving than others. Some can withstand the abuse to over 100,000 miles while others may show symptoms by 20,000 miles
Your gamble.

Engine oil carries metal that has worn away, dirt and moisture from the air and combustion gasses that gets past the piston rings and sludge from chemical processes. These materials increase friction on metal parts and seals and causes seals and gaskets to harden. These contaminates also dilute and wear out the additives in the oil that maintain viscosity and counter sludge formation.

The extra cost of oil changes every 2500  miles versus 5 or 6 thousand is a lot less than most engine repairs. Using a good synthetic oil is a better way to extend those oil changes to 5,000 miles or more.

Engine deposits and wear are slow, sure killers of performance and engine life. In most cases, by the time you are aware of an issue, the damage has been done and often cannot be reversed without a major engine repair or replacement. Changing the oil in a vehicle at the appropriate drain interval is the easiest, most cost-effective insurance against lubricant-related engine damage.

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson
120 W. North Ave. - Villa Park, IL 60181
800.400.RIDE - www.wildfirehd.com