Determining the ‘correct’ time to change your car’s oil is an argument as old as time. Some people swear by the time frame method, which involves oil changes every 3 months, 6 months, or one year. While other folks only go by the number of miles traveled between each service. So, which way is better? When it comes to auto maintenance, a one-size-fits-all approach to an oil change doesn’t account for engine oil types or the condition of your car’s oil filter. Below, I will explain the factors behind the time/mileage markers, what they mean, and how to determine the best schedule for your vehicle.
Why Oil Change Intervals Use Months & Miles
For decades, routine auto maintenance stated your car’s engine oil must get serviced every 3 months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first). Recent advancements in oil formulas and automotive technology have changed that standard. Most auto manufacturers now recommend scheduling an oil change every 6 months or 5,000-7,500 miles (whichever comes first) for most newer model vehicles.
Auto manufacturers establish time and mileage-based service intervals due to the natural degradation of engine oil and whatever detergents and chemical additives it contains. Exposure to moisture and other contaminants can quickly degrade some engine oil formulas.
Engine Oil By Months
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, your oil change service interval may have a time-based recommendation (i.e., 3 months, 6 months, etc.). It’s common for older vehicles using conventional engine oil to require it every 3 months. To protect your vehicle’s engine, do not exceed the suggested time frame between oil changes.
Engine Oil By Miles Traveled
Similarly, most newer vehicles reference a mileage limit you can drive before requiring an oil change. These days, many modern cars that use synthetic oils can travel 5,000-10,000 miles or more before needing an it. To protect your vehicle’s engine, do not exceed the suggested mileage marker between services.
How Often Should I Do An Oil Change?
There is no set-in-stone answer for how often your vehicle needs an oil change. Engine oil thickens from use and exposure to high temperatures. The chemical additives that clean and protect the engine eventually break down or get used up. Plus, contaminants and moisture become suspended in the oil, making it less effective. It’s important to remember that this process happens whether the oil is in regular use or not.
Engine oil with contaminants and a high moisture level is less effective at lubrication, which may damage your engine over time. The ideal oil change timing for your car depends on several factors and conditions, which I have outlined below. If in doubt, follow the factory-recommended service intervals outlined in your owner’s manual. You can also ask your service technician for guidance regarding your auto maintenance.
Vehicle Age
The majority of older model vehicles use mileage-based oil change intervals, with separate schedules for ‘normal driving’ and ‘severe driving’ conditions. Under ‘severe driving’ service conditions, follow the more frequent maintenance schedule suggested in your owner’s manual.
Most newer model vehicles feature oil-life monitoring systems (OLM) that automatically notify you when it’s time to schedule an oil change. This newer feature analyzes your vehicle’s operating conditions to estimate when the oil degrades. Autos equipped with an OLM system detect heavy-duty operations and automatically adjust the service interval. The message appears on your dashboard as an oil-life percentage. Schedule your service before the remaining life reaches 0%. Your service technician resets the monitoring system with each oil change.
Engine Oil Type
The type of engine oil your vehicle uses helps determine how often to schedule an oil change service. Of course, the kind of oil your vehicle uses is only part of the equation. Your driving style, vehicle make & model, and the environment in which you drive are also contributing factors.
- Conventional Engine Oil requires the most frequent oil changes since it is the least refined option.
- Synthetic-Blend Engine Oil requires fewer oil changes than conventional oil, but more than full synthetic oil.
- Full-Synthetic Engine Oil requires the least frequent oil changes due to its superior quality formulation.
‘Normal’ vs. ‘Severe’ Driving
You may have heard the terms ‘normal’ driving conditions and ‘severe’ driving conditions, but do you know what they mean? In terms of oil change intervals, ‘normal’ driving conditions follow the longer time/mileage service references because your vehicle’s engine operates in the optimal zone for temperature, distance, and weight ratio. You can follow the ‘normal’ driving oil change service interval if you:
- Regularly drive at least 10 miles on each trip
- Drive in a temperate climate (40 – 80 degrees F)
- Rarely drive in heavy or stop-and-go traffic
- Never tow or drive with heavy loads
- Travel longer distances on highways
Alternatively, ‘severe’ driving degrades engine oil much more quickly because your vehicle does not operate in the optimal zone for temperature, distance, and weight. This is why you need more frequent oil changes. You should follow the shorter time/mileage oil change service if you:
- Primarily drive 5 miles or less each trip
- Drive in a climate that is extremely hot or cold (over 80F or below freezing)
- Routinely drive in heavy or stop-and-go traffic
- Often tow heavy loads (like a trailer or full-capacity passengers)
- Rarely drive at highway speeds or for long distances
What About The Oil Filter?
The oil filter removes contaminants in the oil that cause wear or damage to your vehicle’s internal components. Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing the oil filter with every oil change service. Depending on your vehicle, oil type, and driving conditions, some technicians may suggest replacing your oil filter at every other oil change. Either way, remember that clean oil protects your vehicle’s engine, and the minor expense of a new oil filter can save you money in the long run.
Auto Maintenance in Kirkland, WA
Fisher’s Auto Service provides a quality alternative to quick-lube shops and dealership service departments. We follow your auto manufacturers’ service recommendations for oil change service, including replacing the oil filter and using high-quality engine oil. Routinely changing your vehicle’s oil is one of the most crucial auto maintenance tasks you can do.
Schedule Oil Change Service
Call Fisher’s Auto Service, Inc. at (425) 823-4441 or visit us online to make your next oil change appointment today.