The April 2009 issue of Consumer Reports highlighted five auto-service rip-offs, including charging for a “severe” maintenance service cycle. These service intervals are usually for people who drive in dusty/muddy conditions, drive a lot of short trips, and/or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. 

When I picked up our new Nissan 370Z, my salesperson explained Nissan’s three-level service schedule and suggested a semi-severe use service interval for the car. Maybe it’s because he assumes we’ll flog the Z while testing it, or maybe it’s because Z-car owners are hard on their cars. What I found interesting is the slight difference between two of the services. 

Schedule 1 was suggested to me; Schedule 2 is the less aggressive cycle. It applies “only to highway driving in temperate conditions” and is to be followed “only if you primarily operate your vehicle in conditions other than those listed in Schedule 1.” (The third option is “Premium,” as in the price premium the service will command.)

Besides checking fewer items during each interval, the main difference between Schedules 1 and 2 is the interval between oil changes. There’s no need to follow a more aggressive (and costly) service schedule at the dealer simply to have your oil changed more frequently. Whatever model you own, refer to the owner’s manual and choose the maintenance schedule that best matches your driving situation. If you choose to go with a more frequent schedule than necessary, as may be the temptation with a performance car like the Z, then at least do so with the understanding that it is an indulgence and not a requirement.

A less-costly, and arguably more rewarding, option for those who wish to pamper their automobile, is to do your own oil changes in between service intervals. I personally fall into this camp with my own cars. In the event you can’t perform this maintenance yourself because of space or mechanical ability, turn to an independent mechanic. They will likely be cheaper than taking the car to the dealer for an oil change.

According to a survey of car owners by the Consumer Reports National Research Center taken last year, 71 percent of respondents who took their vehicle only to independent shops for repair service were very satisfied with their experience. This compares with just 53 percent who were very satisfied using new-car dealers for repairs. 

The bottom line: there’s simply no need to bring the car to the dealer every 3,750 miles when you can be safe at the 7,500-mile interval.

—Jon Linkov