Actually 10,000 mile oil changes extend engine life. Your least wear is between 8,000 and 9,000 miles, and not opening the sealed area where the oil is keeps dust out Even checking your oil lets a little dust in and is harmful - not as harmful as running low on oil but still harmful and to be avoided if you don't need to!

The oil change industry wants you to think otherwise because they make a lot of money selling needless oil changes. Much better to put in a good oil and a good filter, great oil might be more expensive but the engine will last longer.