How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
There is still a lot of debate going on in the automotive industry today on how often should you change your oil. Are you confused about when to schedule an oil change? Because oil change intervals vary between manufacturers, consult your owner’s manual on how often you should change the oil as well as what type of oil to use. The type of oil, the age and make of your vehicle often dictate as to when to change the oil.
There may be two different schedules listed in your manual. Do you fall under “severe” driving conditions or “normal” conditions? If the majority of your driving is considered “severe,” such as trailer towing, stop-and-go driving or idling in traffic, driving in extreme heat or cold, or frequent short-distance driving in which the engine doesn’t reach full operating temperature, most manufacturers recommend changing the oil more frequently.
So how often should you change your oil? Instead of the old standard of every 3,000 miles, most vehicles these days can now go to every 7,500 to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, or every six months, whichever comes first.
Changing the oil is the best preventative maintenance for extending the life of your engine. Oil lubricates and cleans the moving parts as well as cool as it circulates. However, with repeated exposure to cold starts, short trips, and engine heat, oil gets dirty, becomes thicker, and loses its ability to prevent sludge and deposits from forming.
The cost of an oil change service can depend on where you are as much as which auto shop you choose. Many shops offer oil change coupons as a service to their customers. The advantage of more frequent oil changes is that it gives your mechanic a chance to inspect your car for other issues or routine maintenance, such as replacing the timing belt or brakes.
Tip to Remember: Do some research before deciding an oil change interval for your vehicle. Read the guidelines in your owner’s manual and consult with your trusted auto mechanic.
Wondering how often should you change your oil? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
There is still a lot of debate going on in the automotive industry today on how often should you change your oil. Are you confused about when to schedule an oil change? Because oil change intervals vary between manufacturers, consult your owner’s manual on how often you should change the oil as well as what type of oil to use. The type of oil, the age and make of your vehicle often dictate as to when to change the oil.
There may be two different schedules listed in your manual. Do you fall under “severe” driving conditions or “normal” conditions? If the majority of your driving is considered “severe,” such as trailer towing, stop-and-go driving or idling in traffic, driving in extreme heat or cold, or frequent short-distance driving in which the engine doesn’t reach full operating temperature, most manufacturers recommend changing the oil more frequently.
So how often should you change your oil? Instead of the old standard of every 3,000 miles, most vehicles these days can now go to every 7,500 to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, or every six months, whichever comes first.
Changing the oil is the best preventative maintenance for extending the life of your engine. Oil lubricates and cleans the moving parts as well as cool as it circulates. However, with repeated exposure to cold starts, short trips, and engine heat, oil gets dirty, becomes thicker, and loses its ability to prevent sludge and deposits from forming.
The cost of an oil change service can depend on where you are as much as which auto shop you choose. Many shops offer oil change coupons as a service to their customers. The advantage of more frequent oil changes is that it gives your mechanic a chance to inspect your car for other issues or routine maintenance, such as replacing the timing belt or brakes.
Tip to Remember: Do some research before deciding an oil change interval for your vehicle. Read the guidelines in your owner’s manual and consult with your trusted auto mechanic.
Wondering how often should you change your oil? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
