How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Posted Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

 

Oil changes - we’ve all been told a million times that we have to get them.  In fact, when we think about car maintenance, oil changes are usually the first thing that comes to mind.  This is because it’s often the thing that our parents always remind us to do, the first thing car dealerships tell you when you purchase a car, and the service that can be found all over every city.  This indicates that it’s important, but why is it so important? And how often should we realistically be getting our oil changed to better maintain our car?

The Importance of Oil Changes

Oil changes help maintain the condition of the engine and keep it running smoothly for longer.  This is because oil changes:

    • • Maintain engine lubrication
    • • Reduce engine heat
    • • Help remove engine wear particles and sludge
    • • Improve gas mileage
    • • Promote vehicle longevity

It’s undeniable that oil changes are crucial in maintaining the condition of your vehicle.  If you skip your oil change or wait too long to get one, the vehicle’s oil will thin over time, causing a buildup of metal, dirt, or other particles.  As the oil becomes abrasive, it will start to wear down engine parts.  If this continues, the engine can fail, resulting in an expensive repair.  When you compare easy maintenance with thousands of dollars on a new engine, it’s easy to see how important it is.

 

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

 

man driving his car

 

On average, cars should get oil changes every 3,000 miles or every 6 months.  However, this is just a rough estimate, as there are many factors that will determine the accurate time for each vehicle.  Some of the factors include: 

 

    • • Type of oil: Mechanics either use conventional or synthetic oil.  While conventional oil is the cheaper option, synthetic oil contains advanced lubricants and additives.  So although it may be more expensive, it lasts longer, meaning the expected time for your next oil change should be extended.
    • • Driving habits: There are different recommendations for “normal” and “severe” driving.  The average driver usually falls within “severe” driving habits, which consists of frequent short trips, driving in extreme weather conditions, stop-and-go traffic, or towing a trailer.  “Normal” driving conditions mean that you regularly drive on level roads, without towing anything, without speeding, and without harsh weather conditions.  Depending on which category a driver falls into will help determine how often they should get an oil change.
    • • Type of engine: Different engines use oil differently, meaning they may need oil changes with different frequency.  In general, an older engine is less efficient and will need an oil change more frequently than a more advanced engine.

 

Although every 3,000 miles or every 6 months is a good basis, every vehicle is different and should be treated as such.  Your car may also indicate when it’s time for a change with the warning light on your dashboard.  However, it’s not error-proof, so although you should pay attention to your dashboard lights, you can’t depend on them entirely.  You can also do a quick self-check at home by opening your hood and pulling out the oil dipstick in your engine to accurately gauge your oil levels.  To learn more about this, check your owner’s manual.

And if you would rather get a professional opinion, then it never hurts!  The next time you take your car in for an oil change, you should ask them for an accurate estimate of how often you need this service based on your habits and engine type.  What’s important is that you know how long your car can go without an oil change so that you can plan ahead for it and keep your car in great condition.