How Often Should You Change Your Oil

How Often Should Oil Be Changed?

The answer is: It depends. A number of factors apply to how often oil should be changed, such as the type of oil, the age of the car, severe driving conditions, and more. It’s best to start by looking at your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended oil type and change schedule, and also apply some common sense. With the use of modern lubricants in oil, AAA states that newer cars can typically average 5,000 to 7,000 miles before an oil change is necessary, unless you drive under severe conditions.

Older Vehicles

For older cars, the owner’s manual typically recommends oil changes based on mileage. Two schedules are likely given, one for “normal” use and one for use under “severe conditions.” Severe driving conditions are associated with:

• Frequent short trips.
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Frequent stop-and-go driving.
• Hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer.
• Frequent driving on roads that have dust, sand, salt, gravel, etc.

A vehicle driven under normal conditions can likely go longer than 3,000 miles without an oil change, but when driving under severe conditions, stick to a 3,000-mile schedule.

Newer Vehicles

Many newer cars have oil life monitoring systems that detect and alert you when you need an oil change. Early systems are based on the number of miles driven, but today’s designs are more advanced and will automatically shorten the oil change interval when severe conditions are detected.

When you have the oil changed, the oil life monitoring system should be reset by the service technician. If you change your own oil, you should reset the monitoring system, and instructions for that will be found in the owner's manual. However, if you change your oil less frequently, it is crucial that you test the oil level every month and fill it up as necessary. Correct oil levels will help you avoid engine damage caused by keeping low oil levels.

What Oil Should You Use?

Modern engines are built to exacting standards and require very specific oils to ensure your car continues running for years to come. Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. However, choosing the right oil is not always easy. The proper oil for your make and model of vehicle are listed in your vehicle owner's manual, and our experienced team of technicians at the Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet Cadillac Service Center can provide information on your vehicle’s oil needs as well.