Ford Motor Co. has become the latest manufacturer to extend the recommended oil change mileage. Ford raised it from 5,000 miles to 7,500 miles on its new 2007 models and all models to come after, writes The Associated Press. The company cites that today’s oils contain more antioxidants and have a higher-quality base than oils of the past, and that laboratory tests have consistently shown that they last longer. Some companies, like Honda Motor Co. and General Motors Corp., have completely abandoned recommendations in favor of sensors within the car that alert the driver when an oil change is necessary. They reason that oils deteriorate differently depending on driver behaviors and weather conditions. Toyota Motor Corp., however, reduced its oil change interval in 2004 from 7,500 miles to 5,000 miles. Toyota made the change because of an oil sludge problem found in less than 1 percent of its 1997-2002 models that manifested under prolonged oil wear, and also because it found that more of its drivers were operating under severe stop-and-start conditions, a habit that hastens oil deterioration. Ford, however, feels that the move will save customers money, and estimates that drivers will save up to $600 over a five-year period if they change at intervals of 7,500 miles, The Associated Press reports.