Not long ago we spoke about a campaign by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) that recommended to verify how often motor oil had to be changed. General Motors has joined the campaign and will support CIWMB in informing motorists that millions vehicles can be driven much longer than the old standard of 3,000 miles between changes. Driver farther, save oil.

GM also took the chance to speak about its Oil Life System, which checks the quality of motor oil for the driver, informing about its "life." The system uses an algorithm based on key engine functions to determine when oil should be changed. This usually extends oil change intervals to 6,000 miles (although it depends on vehicle usage). According to GM, this would save more than eight million gallons of motor oil per year in California alone.

[Source: GM]

Oftentimes, when the subject of oil appears on the internet, a raging debate ensues regarding which brand offers the highest quality or whether or not synthetic is superior to straight dino-oil. We're not touching that one today, but we would like to remind our readers of the importance of recycling your used motor oil. Matt Hale, Director of EPA's Office of Solid Waste, says, "Recycling used motor oil conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents the possible contamination of our nation's drinking water supplies." How bad could a little used motor oil be on our water supplies? We'll let Castrol explain: 'one oil change -- improperly disposed and not recycled -- can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, which is a year's supply for 50 people.' With that information firmly in mind, Castrol has teamed up with Earth911.com to educate people on oil recycling.

We've pasted a press release regarding the subject after the break. For tips on oil recycling and to find your nearest oil collection center, check out Castol's site here and Earth911.com here.