We've talked a lot in The Pennypincher Ezine about maintaining our possessions on the theory that "a stitch in time saves nine". That is rather simplified, but so true when it comes to saving money. Here is another thing that you MUST remember to do You must change the oil in your car, or you will ruin it. Let me give you an example.

 

As many of you know, my husband is an insurance adjuster. They don't make much money, but one of the perks of being an insurance adjuster is that you get a brand new car every few years to drive around and look at claims.

 

A few years back my husband was covering this territory with another adjuster. This person was not responsible in his job, and he was not responsible with that over which he was given stewardship.

 

This person left the company eighteen months after being hired. When he left, he turned in his company car. That car had been driven 18,000 miles without ever having the oil changed.

 

The engine in that car was ruined! The oil had turned to jelly. The engine on that car had to be totally replaced- and the car was less than 2 years old.

 

How often should you replace your oil? At the very least, you should have it replaced every 5,000 miles. The exact number is controversial. Some do it every 3,000 miles. There is at least one brand of oil that claims you can drive longer with it and some new cars are advertised as only needing an oil change after 7,500 miles.