How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

When Do You Need an Oil Change?

Now, we’ll tackle this question. Depending on the car you own, it may need an oil change anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 miles. It used to be that your car needed an oil change at 3,000 miles, but with time and technology, the oil change threshold increased. 

Review your owner’s manual or discuss this with one of our service techs, so you’ll know when it’s best to schedule an oil change. Your car may need this appointment around 5,000 or 7,500 miles. If your car uses only synthetic oil, you can wait until 10,000 miles.

Does an Oil Change Take a Long Time?

Any service you seek for your car should be done efficiently, but with care. That means it may take some time, but you’re going to see that it’s worth it. Unless you’ve tacked on some other services, it will probably take about an hour or less. Since our service techs take on this job often, they’ll quickly get it accomplished.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

After learning the signs that you need an oil change, you’ll be quick to schedule service if you notice them. If you keep a record of when you last brought your car in, though, you’ll be able to avoid delaying or forgetting to make an appointment.

Weird noises or extra exhaust coming from your vehicle may indicate that you need an oil change. If you suddenly accrued a lot of mileage due to a road trip or vacation, this could speed up the need too.

Checking the dipstick can reveal whether you need an oil change soon. If the oil looks dark rather than a gold color, it’s due for a change. The dark color indicates that the oil absorbed dirt and other matter and will not leave you with the best performance. Also, if the oil does not measure up to the dipstick indicator, you’re low and need more.

Can I Just Add More Oil?

You’ve seen bottles of motor oil waiting to be purchased on an auto parts store shelf. If you plan to change your own oil, this may be a smart buy, but topping off the oil in your car will not resolve anything. 

When you’re driving, the oil picks up any debris off the road, making the oil dirty and ineffective. Pass on the oil and get an oil change with us instead.