[MLJJ]

The variations in recommended oil change intervals has perplexed me for some time and I haven't seen any explanation as to why there is a difference. If I've missed the reason previously explained, my apologizes. If there has been none, can anyone shed some light on why there is such a disparity? Without any difference in the combustion components, I can't see that US-based cars would foul oil any faster than elsewhere. Similarly, its hard to believe that US fuel blends would cause oil contamination at twice the rate of the UK (for example). Similarly, I doubt oils commonly used in the US are different (if at all) than those used elsewhere. The cynical half of me thinks Porsche North America might have shortened the interval to provide additional business to US-based dealers :|.

 

[85Gold]

The variations in recommended oil change intervals has perplexed me for some time and I haven't seen any explanation as to why there is a difference. If I've missed the reason previously explained, my apologizes. If there has been none, can anyone shed some light on why there is such a disparity? Without any difference in the combustion components, I can't see that US-based cars would foul oil any faster than elsewhere. Similarly, its hard to believe that US fuel blends would cause oil contamination at twice the rate of the UK (for example). Similarly, I doubt oils commonly used in the US are different (if at all) than those used elsewhere. The cynical half of me thinks Porsche North America might have shortened the interval to provide additional business to US-based dealers :|.

Good question and AFAIK the break in schedule is different also.

Peter

 

[GregW]

Australian intervals are also short. So it's either more dealer profit or possibly more dust in the air. After all, the GB weather would keep the dust to a minimum.0

 

[MLJJ]

Given the paucity of responses, I'll assume this is one of life's unsolved mysteries. Porsche covers this confusion by keeping our minds busy thinking about such things as a supremely engineered cup holder, hide-and-seek sound enhancers, and other sundries. There are aliens at Area 51

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

Maybe UK drivers are deemed more reliably to follow factory 'recommendation' for synthetic oil? Or do UK liability laws place more of a burden on the consumer to comply with such recommendations else forfeit their right to lawsuit in event of product failure?

I think U.S. is a tort-consumed environment relative to ROW, could factor into this question, as it does with break-in guidelines (more to break-in the driver than the car, thus minimize Paul Walker type 'single vehicle crash' liability lawsuits)...

 

[Porsche2018]

Read the thread I started a few months back with feedback and my conclusions regarding early oil changes if you are so disposed.

https://www.718forum.com/forum/oils-fluids-fuel-additives-lubrications/7618-oil-change.html

 

[MLJJ]

Porsche2018, I agree with your previous suggestions regarding more frequent oil changes. I do that as well. However, that doesn't change the fact that Porsche has contradicting oil change intervals. All I'm seeking is some rational explanation as to why that is.

 

[Porsche2018]

Porsche2018, I agree with your previous suggestions regarding more frequent oil changes. I do that as well. However, that doesn't change the fact that Porsche has contradicting oil change intervals. All I'm seeking is some rational explanation as to why that is.

Oh that’s simple there is no “mechanical” rationale. Dollars and cents......................is the driving force.

 

[Viffermike]

Porsche2018, I agree with your previous suggestions regarding more frequent oil changes. I do that as well. However, that doesn't change the fact that Porsche has contradicting oil change intervals. All I'm seeking is some rational explanation as to why that is.

See Point #2 in this two-month-old blog entry on Amsoil's website.

EU countries require a different type of oil than the U.S. does to extend service intervals and, thus, decrease the amount of discarded oil. The post includes some dated info, but I see corroborating evidence in several other places after a good ol' Google search.

Also evident: a push toward thinner oils such as 0W-16 for use in economy cars and hybrids, led by Honda and Toyota. The U.S. auto industry has apparently flat-out rejected the trend. Here's an article about that on Autonews.com, a semi-trade publication for the auto industry based in Detroit.

Longer service intervals between U.S. and EU vehicles appears to have been a 'thing' since at least the mid-2000s because of the stricter oil standards across the pond.

 

[MLJJ]

I stand corrected. Thanks Viffer. There is a difference in oil as you indicated! Not available for sale in the US.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobil-FS-0...e=UTF8&qid=1538091864&sr=1-6&keywords=mobil+1
I can sleep better now.

 

[GregW]

I'll add that the oil intervals for my previous two Subaru vehicles were shorter in Australia than some other places--so it's not just Porsche.