subject: How Often You Should Change Engine Oil [print this page] The oil in your vehicle is one of the most important fluids you will put into your vehicle. This is because the oil is responsible for helping all of the important components when moving. The more your drive your vehicle, the more important it is that you are going through regular oil changes. Knowing when to get your oil changed will help you to get the most out of your vehicle even as it gets older. The clean oil allows engine parts to move easily so that you will be able to avoid engine trouble. If you are not sure how often to get your oil changed, here is some important information you should consider.
Standard Oil Changes
The most common recommendation for changing your oil is to change it every 3000 miles. This offers the most protection for your engine, including engine bearings. The majority of places which change your oil will give you a sticker for your windshield which shows when you will need to bring in your vehicle to get the next oil change. If you are driving less than 10 miles a day on a regular basis, you may be able to get away with less frequent oil changes. Even changing the oil every 7500 miles is possible in these kinds of conditions. Regardless, you should make sure to change the oil at least once a year or every six months depending on conditions. If you are driving a turbocharged vehicle or a diesel, you will need to stick to 3000 miles regardless.
Oil Changes for Intensive Use
Those people who drive their car long distances, and in city driving conditions, need to get oil changes as close as possible to the 3000 mile mark. The more regularly that you drive your car like this, the more important it is that you are able to get the oil changed regularly. By conducting regular oil changes, you will be able to stave off much more expensive repair problems. Of course, it is also highly important to make sure that you are using the right motor oil in your vehicle at any given time.
Which Oil to Use
The kind of engine oil you should be using will depend a lot on your vehicle. Some of the higher performing engines run at such high temperatures and can create so much friction that they require synthetic oil rather than the petroleum based oils. This kind of oil comes with the additional benefit that you will be able to go between 6000 and 7500 miles without having to get an oil change. The majority of cars use petroleum based oils. The heavier weight oils are better suited to warmer temperatures because they will maintain their viscosity even when it is being used at higher than normal temperatures. Those who are using the oil for vehicles which see a lot of use should use a heavier weight throughout the year. The engine will not be able to cool down as much in between uses. This will allow your vehicle to be ready to drive whenever you are ready to use it for the next delivery or however you need to use it.
