In a message dated 6/17/98 12:28:13 PM, CaliforniaCampers@COMPUSERVE.COM
writes:

>Looking through the VW Vanagon Maintenance booklet I was surprised to see
>that VW recommends changing oil at every 7500 miles and changing the oil
>filter at every 15000 miles.  All mechanics that service cars say that
>oil should be changed every 3500 miles together with the oil filter.  Is this
>simply providing more work for the mechanics or can the oil really work
>OK up to 7500 miles?
>Also if using syntetic oil, should that make it OK to increase the mileage
>between oil changes?
>
>

Most manufacturers will suggest a longer time between oil changes than the
mechanics. More frequent is better (up to a point), especially on engines that
keep the oil hotter (air cooled engines especially). Synthetics are more
tolerant of excessive heat than regular oils. You can last longer between oil
changes with synthetics, and changing the oil filter without changing the oil
is another thing you can do. Of course, with the placement of the oil filter
on the waterboxers, it is probably not worth changing it without changing the
oil anyway...