Whether you’re cruising in an old car or a shiny new ride, without a solid oil change schedule, your engine won’t be purring for long.
So how often should you change your oil to keep your ride happy?
Keep reading to discover the nitty-gritty of oil change frequencies, why they matter, and a few handy tips for maintaining engine oil health.
This Article Contains:
- How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
- Can You Continue Driving with Dirty Oil?
- How to Check Your Oil Level: 4 Easy Steps
- How to Pick the Right Oil for Your Car
- How to Maintain Your Engine Oil Heath
- Does Oil Change Frequency Affect Car Worth?
- How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Thanks to modern lubricants, most car engines only need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500-mile period. But if you use a full-synthetic oil, it might last as long as 15,000 miles.
Your vehicle’s recommended oil change frequency depends on several factors, like your driving habits and your car’s age. For example, older vehicle models will demand a different oil change frequency than newer ones.
Here’s how they can differ:
A. For Older Vehicle Models
Older cars usually have oil change intervals based on mileage and two car maintenance schedules: one for normal driving conditions and another for severe usage.
People who practice good driving habits, regularly drive their car, perform routine tire rotations, and stick to on-road rides can follow normal service maintenance.
Meanwhile, the severe service category involves driving your car under any of these conditions:
- Short trips of five miles or less under average temperatures
- Short trips of ten miles or less under freezing temperatures
- Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
- Sustained stop-and-go driving (especially in hot climates)
- Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer
If you engage in any of these driving styles, your recommended oil change frequency is every 3000 miles.
That said, you should always refer to the owner’s manual for specific maintenance requirements and oil change tips.
B. For New Car Models
New vehicles often have an oil life monitoring system that notifies you when it’s time to change your oil. The oil life monitor is handy because you never have to worry about the oil change frequency.
Each specific vehicle has a unique oil life monitoring system. For instance, Ford offers an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, which recommends when to change the old oil based on the car’s use, its operating conditions, and last service.
Note: Although a newer vehicle needs less frequent oil changes, you still need to check the oil level monthly and top it up with fresh oil as needed.
But what happens when you skip an oil change?
Let’s find out.
Can You Continue Driving with Dirty Oil?
When you don’t change your oil, it becomes thick and dirty. This reduced quality might lead to:
- Lit check engine or oil change lights
- Knocking sound from the engine
- Smoke from the exhaust pipe
- Overheated engine
Following your oil change service schedule can help avoid such issues. The motor oil will better lubricate the engine, reducing friction and improving car performance.
Next, let’s discover how to figure out what level your oil is at.
How to Check Your Oil Level: 4 Easy Steps
Although checking engine oil levels is relatively easy, it still requires some basic car knowledge. If you’re unfamiliar with them, it’s best to get a mechanic instead of attempting a DIY.
Here’s how they’ll check your motor oil level:
Step 1: Park Your Car
The mechanic will turn the engine off, put the transmission in Park (or the manual transmission in a lower gear), and set the parking brake.
They’ll wait for 10-15 minutes for the engine to cool down and the oil to settle in the lower oil pan. They’ll then unlatch the safety catch or hood-release lever to raise the hood.
Step 2: Locate the Dipstick
The dipstick has a small colored handle (usually yellow or orange) and is marked with an oil-can symbol.
Your mechanic will pull the dipstick fully out of the tube it’s housed in. They’ll wipe the oil off the dipstick end with a rag or paper towel.
Step 3: Insert the Dipstick into the Tube
They’ll then push the dipstick all the way down into its tube and withdraw it to check the oil mark on its tip.
The tip of the dipstick will usually have two lines:
- The lower one shows that the oil level is one quart low.
- The upper line indicates that the crankcase (the car’s oil tank) is full.
If the oil level is between the two lines, it means your vehicle has enough oil. But if it’s close to the lower mark or below, the mechanic will add a quart.
Note: Some dipsticks also come marked with words like “full” and “add.”
Step 4: Check the Oil Level Again
After adding a quart of oil, they’ll wait a few minutes for it to settle. The mechanic will check the oil level again to ensure it’s between the high and low marks.
Note: Oil should be amber (new oil), brown, or black (old oil). If it looks light and milky, coolant might be leaking into the engine. Metal particles in the oil could mean engine damage. If you notice either of these conditions or frequent low oil levels, get a mechanic for further diagnosis.
Your oil change schedules also depend on the type of oil you use. Find out what oil suits your vehicle.
How to Pick the Right Oil for Your Car
It’s best to refer to the owner’s manual to see if your car’s oil system has any specific requirements, like viscosity, to ensure optimal engine performance.
Car engines typically use two types of motor oil — conventional oil and synthetic motor oil. Both are based on crude oil, but their quality and manufacturing process can vary greatly.
Conventional oil is made by heating crude oil at different high-temperature points to obtain a base oil. It requires frequent oil changes and maintenance as it isn’t very refined.
Synthetic motor oil is carefully formulated to have a longer oil life and be more stable at high temperatures. That’s why synthetic oil has a longer oil change interval.
However, synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional, so go for it only if your car needs it. For example, some older car models are better suited for mineral oil, while a few high-end, featured vehicles may need synthetic oil.
Continue reading to explore some best practices that’ll help you prolong your oil change interval.
How to Maintain Your Engine Oil Heath
Here are a few oil change tips to keep your oil and engine in top shape:
- Check what oil type and change interval your car manufacturer recommends before getting an oil change.
- Inspect and change your oil filters regularly.
- Use oil additives to boost lubricity and reduce the wearing properties of your oil to save on new inventory.
- Stay on top of cooling system maintenance, as excessive heat can degrade oil health.
- Get an oil analysis to see how long your car runs between oil changes.
- Avoid rash driving and heavy loads to reduce engine strain and oil consumption.
Wondering if oil change frequencies affect a car’s resale value?
Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Does Oil Change Frequency Affect Car Worth?
Yes, how often you change your oil impacts a car’s worth.
Why?
Regular car maintenance increases resale value, as people who look to buy cars, especially older cars, appreciate it when they are in good mechanical condition.
Furthermore, any car buying guide would encourage people to buy certified pre-owned vehicles with regular service maintenance records. So, vehicles without a regular oil or oil filter change can seem risky.
Next up, find out how much a mechanic will charge for an oil change.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
Depending on where you get it, a conventional oil change and filter change could cost around $35 to $150.
If you use synthetic oil, this may increase by approximately $20 to $30.
Typically a regular oil change, along with filter replacement, will take around 30 to 45 minutes. This can take longer if your mechanic needs to order parts not in the inventory.
Note: You can ask for specific vehicle or parts specials to get a discounted bill. Some service centers also offer pre-owned vehicle specials and new vehicle specials.
Get Your Oil Changed Hassle-free with AutoNation Mobile Service
Most car service providers advise getting a regular oil change every 5,000 miles, but this depends on the type of oil, driving habits, and the vehicle’s oil levels.
Whether you own old or new vehicles, check your car oil level every 1-2 months in the beginning. This will help you understand how much oil your engine consumes and how frequently you must top up or change it with fresh oil.
You can also consult a car mechanic for any oil maintenance and service questions.
Looking for a trusted car service provider?
Contact AutoNation Mobile Service for top-quality car repair and maintenance. We provide expert mechanics, upfront pricing, and a service warranty on new inventory.
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