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Old 10-02-2010, 09:57 PM   #43 (permalink)
NachtRitter
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Location: Placerville, CA
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Helga - '00 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
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Diesel
90 day: 51.85 mpg (US)

Mathilde - '99 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazarus View Post
I always thought that the "extreme conditions" maintenance schedules were set up the way they are because your oil temperature never gets hot enough on the short trips to get the moisture out which forms acids that are harmful to metal during the cool down.
I believe you have correctly stated one of the reasons for the higher maintenance... but there are others. The following are reasons given by Ford for following the "severe conditions" maintenance schedule (likely similar for other vehicles):

Quote:
  • Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
  • Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car, or livery
  • Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
  • Off-road operation
Obviously, with towing, the oil will definitely get hot enough!
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