I'm baffled by some folk's reluctance to perform basic maintenance per manufacturer's recommendations. These basic maintenance items are cheap insurance to keep vehicles running optimally.
For those quoting "too-often" oil changes, don't forget there's been great advancements in engine tolerances and oil specifications. The 3000 mile oil change is a thing of the past. Most manufacturers recommendations are 7500 or even 15000 miles. I don't think they're trying to perform needless maintenance.
I do my own oil changes and even at 7 quarts, an oil change cost me less than $40 using Mobil 1. I'll gladly invest $40 per year into my vehicle.
