The duration between each oil change is more than just a general recommendation. The best way to protect your engine is to take several things into consideration and have your oil changed more frequently if necessary. We would be happy to discuss the following things with you to determine the best oil change schedule for your car, truck, or C/SUV. For example, you may need to have your oil changed more frequently than every 3,000 miles based on your driving habits.
Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations
The first thing to consider when it comes to oil changes is what your vehicle manufacturer recommends. Crack open the owner’s manual and head to the service section. This will give you the recommended mileage duration between oil changes and the recommended oil type for your automobile. It will also list the recommended oil weight for your vehicle.
The Conditions of Your Daily Commute
Another thing to take into account is your daily commute. If your commute is short and riddled with stop-and-go driving, you may need to have your oil changed more often to better protect your engine. This type of driving is extremely hard on the engine and can cause engine damage. The flipside of this is a long commute filled with highway driving and no traffic. This type of driving helps your oil to last longer between oil changes.
How Hard You Are On Your Vehicle
Also consider how hard you are on your vehicle. For example, if you are a slow driver who takes it easy on the accelerator, you won’t need to have your oil changed as frequently as you would if you believe in pressing the pedal to the metal. The latter type of driving is extremely hard on the engine and requires frequent oil changes and, in some cases, synthetic motor oil.
The Age of Your Automobile
The age of your automobile can also affect the duration between oil changes. For example, if you drive a classic automobile, it’s usually a good idea to have the oil changed every 2,000 miles instead of every 3,000 miles. You may also want to have your oil changed more frequently if you drive an older automobile that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer.
The Type of Oil Used
Finally, the type of oil in your engine can also dictate the duration between oil changes. For example, an oil change every 3,000 miles is recommended you use conventional motor oil. This oil change can extend to 7,500 or 10,000 miles if you use synthetic motor oil.
Again, we are here to help, and we would be happy to discuss the best duration between oil changes for your automobile. Give us a call today.