This is why I sitll use the 3k interval to change my oil. Dont trust the 5k intervals.

With todays oil and filters 3k changes are a waste. I drain my dads oil at 6-7k and its still got a pretty decent amber color to it.

Some vehicles will just use oil.

5k to 7.5k are normal intervals for semi-synthetic blend or if it's full synthetic it is advised to have tested prior to changes. My 97 uses the conventional oil so it gets changed at 3k and the 06 uses the semi-synth and it gets changed at 5k intervals. However unless the weather is "Really" bad the dipstick gets pulled and checked on "Both" every Saturday along with coolant level, brake fluid level, powerstearing fluid level, belt tension, battery terminals, clean the plastic baggies leaves suicidal bird remains out behind the grill and bumpers, finally both get warmed up to operating temperature and the transmission fluid checked, and let's don't forget tire pressure..... By my eyes!!!! I also most definatly perform the same ritual before a road trip whether it to go see Mom or fishing and even work. When my kids lived at home I did the same thing on their vehicles too...Doesn't everyone??? It's called preventative maintenance or at least it was when I became a vehicle owner... This was instilled as a self preservation method at a very young age.