According to the American Petroleum Institute, more than one billion gallons of motor oil are sold each year in the U.S. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 185 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of each year - dumped into the ground, thrown in the trash, or poured down the drain.



To help reduce environmental impact, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA), the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and General Motors are joining forces. They hope to encourage drivers to follow their vehicle manufacturer's recommendations on oil changes, which for millions of vehicles could be much longer than the decades-old standard of every 3,000 miles.

The traditional oil change recommendation was based on engine and oil technologies of the past. Today's engines are built using advanced technology, reducing or eliminating contaminants and increasing the recommended time between oil changes.

New in-vehicle technologies can reduce the frequency between oil changes by calculating each engine's oil "life." The GM Oil Life System tells you when it's time to change the oil. And, two or three fewer oil changes a year means less motor oil consumed annually - helping to not only reduce environmental impact, but also save drivers' money.

Check your owner's manual to determine how often the manufacturer recommends oil changes for your vehicle.