Miata Mailing List: September 1993, Message #24
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   From: bart@netcom.com (Harry Bartholomew)
Subject: oil change interval spec
   Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 15:42:56 -0400

	More is better?

	Both the Mazda Owners Manual delivered with my car and the
	Workshop Manual give the recommended interval between changes
	as 7500 miles under NORMAL conditions. This would NOT apply
	only if (per page 7-3 of O.M.):

	Repeated short distance driving
	Driving in dusty conditions
	   "    with extended use of brakes
	   "    in areas where salt and other corrosives are on the roads
	   "    on rough and/or muddy roads
	Extended periods of idling and/or low-speed operation
	Driving for prolonged period in cold temperatures and/or extremely
	humid climates.

	I use Mobil-1 per the specification and would not feel bad at
	double or triple that based on published studies I have read
	from Mobil in the SAE journal.

	As is said on the net: RTFM

	or buy stock in the oil companies and help deplete our 
	petroleum reserves.

	On the other hand if you do your own oil changes as I do
	then you have the opportunity to optimize your change as
	follows:

	Get the car FULLY hot.
	Pull the drain plug immediately, then let drain for 
	AS LONG AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN !!!
	You will find that DIRTY oil is still dripping at an 
	appreciable rate even 24 HOURS LATER.

	This is a process no dealer or oil changer can or will do for you