In a previous post, we said that oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. And that’s true. But it’s just a metaphor. Unlike people, cars don’t have the equivalent of kidneys to remove impurities from oil. Instead, you have to get an oil change.
How often do you need an oil change? That’s the next logical question. The answer has a few layers to it, so let’s drill down.
When Should I Get an Oil Change?
Every 3,000 to 10,000 miles.
You’re probably thinking “That’s a pretty wide range.” Yeah, it is, and that’s because it’s meant to be universal advice. If you own a car, based on all the cars you could own right now, it will need an oil change at minimum every 3,000 miles and at maximum every 10,000 miles.
Still, it’s not exact, and if you or your car are more high maintenance, then it’s also not very helpful.
Really, the frequency with which you get an oil change depends on a couple of factors.
Your driving habits are a big factor. How often you drive your car, how far you drive it on average, and how you handle your car on the road all come into play.
For example, if you drive your car relatively short distances and at low speeds, it might be a good idea to change your oil more often. Why is that? You might not be driving fast enough to maintain the integrity of your oil.
But others suggest that more frequent oil changes — specifically the 3,000-mile mark — are encouraged by people with a vested interest, namely the kinds of quick lube shops that pop up to sell a single brand of oil. By that logic, it’s best to go with what the manufacturer of your car says.
Most owners manuals list a narrower range of getting an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Your car could be different, though, so you should definitely reach into your glove box and check (or look your car’s manual up online if you don’t have a hard copy).
The kind of oil you use also plays a part. Synthetic oils will push the interval out, with some types lasting well past the 10,000-mile mark. Do you know what kind of oil your car is running? You probably should.
Consult an Expert on Oil Changes in Madison, WI
You may come away with this post with more questions than answers, but you’re in good hands. The service team at a Zimbrick Automotive Service Center will be able to walk you through the ins and outs of your oil change. We know your car well and can give you solid recommendations on how often to bring it in based on what you drive, how you drive it, and what kind of oil it uses. Reach out to us to schedule your next service appointment.
If you’re wondering if your car needs service right now, make sure you brush up on the signs your vehicle needs an oil change.
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