Oil Change Frequency? I’m confused, tell me again!
There are varied opinions about the frequency of vehicle oil changes. Who’s advice is correct? Is it different for each particular vehicle? Oil change intervals rely on a number of different factors. Knowing which factors affect the cleanliness of your oil can help you make an informed decision.
Where do I start?
Look at your owner’s manual. It will probably supply a number between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. The manufacturer actually built the car, and as such should be viewed as the most reliable source. However, manufacturer recommendations are based on ideal driving conditions – driving short distances, never over the speed limit--something the typical driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish. Your vehicle would be better off using the “severe conditions” maintenance schedule, which recommends oil changes roughly every 3,000 miles.
What affects Oil Change Intervals?
So, once you’ve discovered the car maker’s estimated mileage interval, there are a few issues that need to be reviewed to adjust that estimate. Hard driving is major wear and tear factor in determining the mileage interval. If you’re driving a lot in extreme conditions (both hot and cold), stop-and-go traffic, towing a trailer or hanging out on dusty roads, it is highly recommended that you have more frequent oil changes. With easy or slow driving, or if you’re not driving very much at all, you’ll be able to get away with longer intervals. In an older vehicle, oil changes should be an increasingly more frequent interval. This is due to “blowby”; compressed fuel and air that has leaked into the engine’s crankcase. Over time, soot and grime build up on the rings, making them slightly permeable and resulting in contaminated oil that needs to be changed more regularly.
Tips to Remember: For maximum fuel efficiency and a smoother running vehicle, it’s a good idea to change the ‘black gold’ in your car, using a high-quality filter. Synthetic is recommended for longer engine life and better performance. And, oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles are numbers that are more representative of actual driving conditions.
If you’re looking for quality oil changes, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
There are varied opinions about the frequency of vehicle oil changes. Who’s advice is correct? Is it different for each particular vehicle? Oil change intervals rely on a number of different factors. Knowing which factors affect the cleanliness of your oil can help you make an informed decision.
Where do I start?
Look at your owner’s manual. It will probably supply a number between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. The manufacturer actually built the car, and as such should be viewed as the most reliable source. However, manufacturer recommendations are based on ideal driving conditions – driving short distances, never over the speed limit--something the typical driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish. Your vehicle would be better off using the “severe conditions” maintenance schedule, which recommends oil changes roughly every 3,000 miles.
What affects Oil Change Intervals?
So, once you’ve discovered the car maker’s estimated mileage interval, there are a few issues that need to be reviewed to adjust that estimate. Hard driving is major wear and tear factor in determining the mileage interval. If you’re driving a lot in extreme conditions (both hot and cold), stop-and-go traffic, towing a trailer or hanging out on dusty roads, it is highly recommended that you have more frequent oil changes. With easy or slow driving, or if you’re not driving very much at all, you’ll be able to get away with longer intervals. In an older vehicle, oil changes should be an increasingly more frequent interval. This is due to “blowby”; compressed fuel and air that has leaked into the engine’s crankcase. Over time, soot and grime build up on the rings, making them slightly permeable and resulting in contaminated oil that needs to be changed more regularly.
Tips to Remember: For maximum fuel efficiency and a smoother running vehicle, it’s a good idea to change the ‘black gold’ in your car, using a high-quality filter. Synthetic is recommended for longer engine life and better performance. And, oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles are numbers that are more representative of actual driving conditions.
If you’re looking for quality oil changes, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
