Yes, if you are using conventional oil, you need to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. In some cases, you may need to have your oil changed sooner, and we will discuss those cases below. We will also discuss circumstances that allow you to drive more miles between oil changes. No matter what, Meadows Automotive can change your oil when it needs it.
Things That Make Oil Changes More Frequent
The age of your automobile is one consideration when it comes to oil changes. If you drive an automobile that has a ton of miles on the odometer, you may want to have your oil changed more frequently than every 3,000 miles to make sure you are protecting the engine as best you can.
The general recommendation for oil changes is every 3,000 miles, but some vehicle manufacturers may recommend more frequent oil changes for specific makes and models. Check your owner’s manual to see the oil change duration listed in the service section.
How you drive can also affect your oil changes. As we said above, if you use conventional motor oil, its lifespan is about 3,000 miles. Add to that a propensity to drive over the speed limit, aggressively, and without regard for your automobile and you’ll risk damaging the engine if you don’t have the oil change frequently.
Your commute can also affect the oil change duration. If you make a lot of short trips with frequent stops, your oil is not going to last as long in your engine. It will also get dirty much faster if you drive in stop-and-go traffic every day. Keep an eye on your oil to see if it turns brown or dark brown sooner than 3,000 miles. If it does, you’ll need to have it changed sooner.
Things That Can Lengthen the Time Between Oil Changes
One thing that will lengthen the time between oil changes is synthetic motor oil. Depending on your automobile and the type of synthetic oil used, you may be able to wait until 5,000 or 7,500 miles before you need to get your oil changed.
Your oil may also stay cleaner if you take it easy on your automobile and don’t drive aggressively. In addition, if you drive long commutes without any traffic, this allows the oil to circulate through the motor easily and helps it to last longer.
The bottom line is that you need to get your oil changed when it needs it; otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your engine. Meadows Automotive in Waterford Township, MI, can help determine the best oil change schedule for your automobile.
