[sinister mob]

So I am going to hit 5,000 miles tomorrow on the 2010. I picked it up on 10/22/09. I was hoping to get 3 months before the 5k mark but did a ton of driving in the 1st month.. Since the dealer covers oil changes for the first 36k miles, this one is on them. I wanted the first change done earlier than the 7,500 rcommended 1st change per the manual. I just want it done earlier for peace of mind. Plus they can look for anything that does not look "right" now as opposed to later on. I will have the tires rotated now while it is there.

Just wondering what others ae doing for intervals. In the oil change interval thread people have mixed reviews on the 5k vs. 7,500 mark for the newer models. For me I want the 1st one earlier then I will go to 7,500 for a while. Based on my oil issues and nasty 2 month battle with VW for my last vehicle, I am making sure everything gets done correctly with this one. Plus it is free so why not? In addition I get a sandwich from the deli, get to watch TV int he lounge area and they wash the vehicle while I wait. My dealership is the largest in the Northeast so they have a monster facility. A lot of guys schedule oil changes on Monday night to watch football there as they are open until midnight.

 

[kkreit01]

Remember, per manual, it's 6 months or 7500 mi. For me, I change every 6 months (after break-in). My first one was at 1500, then about another 3500, then I went to the normal intervals.

Read up at Bob Is the Oil Guy for more info than you'll ever want to know.

 

[Ajax]

I go by my manual, which for an 2005 V6 says 5K. My thought process is, if that's what the manufacturer recommends, it should be ok til then at least.

 

[sleeve]

The first oil change could be done earlier... but it's not required. Follow the instructions in the onwers manual and have the car serviced at the dealer [the dealer keeps great records of vehicle service history] and you'll have nothing to worry about warranty wise. I had my oil changed in December which was after 5 months of service and only 3700 miles. Sadly I lost my oil sample that I was going to send in for the OA but I imagine the results would have been fine anyway.

Our Escape looks like it'll be on the "every 6 month" program because we don't drive 7500, let alone 5000 miles in in a 6 month window.

The dealer service bay is nice. The price is competitive and you get a free carwash out of the deal. All you get at the quick lube shops is cheap filters, stripped drain plugs and grease all over the front end.

 

[jonas1022]

Our Tribute's oil is changed, tires rotated and all systems are checked per the Mazda manual at 5K miles. Has been since new. The first 24K was free. I don't bother to wait, but have the service van haul me around doing errands if he is free...

 

[Nutty 50]

Its def. good to check as most have found that on the second oil change ( at least in my case) that is when the dreaded left halfshaft seal leak shows its head. :horse:

I did my first at about 4k, then second at 7,xxx and now on amsoil with their sig. series which is good for 35k or one year which I do yearly on my vehicles. I think most are fine at the 5k intervals with the 5w-20 semi synthetic following ford's guidelines.

 

[jackie999]

Since the dealer covers oil changes for the first 36k miles

Dealer covers the cost of the first oil changes?
I wonder if that's the same in Canada? Our `09 has 5,500k on it (3,400m) and we're waiting until it hits the 8,000k (5,000m) mark before we book the appointment.

 

[sinister mob]

Yes my dealer covers the first 6 oil changes and 3 tire rotations. They say cover tire rotations every other oil change up and through the first 6 oil changes. It is part of their service.

 

[DaveJ]

First oil change approx. 3500 miles
Second approx 7500 miles
Upcoming third change (soon) at 15,000

First and second change with Motorcraft synthetic blend. Next change I'm switching to full synthetic Mobil 1 and staying with it. Service done at dealer, and I'm bringing my own Mobil 1.

 

[tang]

Dude, I want a sandwich while I get my car serviced!

Also, I don't get free oil changes or rotations, but I've noticed a swarm of coupons in my mail recently from the dealership. My dealership actually recommends 5K intervals, and out of habit, I rotate during each change too. In my two oil changes so far, I was at 30% and 12% oil life remaining respectively, with about 5100 miles between each change. I'm cutting it close on this current cycle, but I probably won't be driving too much.

In the end, if you want to keep your car running in tip-top shape, it really doesn't hurt to go in more often. Then you don't look like the clueless girl on the Ford Escape commercial who admits that she can never tell when her car is due for an oil change (never though counting in multiples of 3s or 5s could be so difficult).