Most of us understand the importance of car maintenance. In fact, how easy a car is to maintain over a long period of time is often a major selling point when shopping.
As such, drivers know they have to change their oil, but not everyone knows how often you need to do it. But, it's not something you want to put off.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about when to change engine oil.
Distance
In the past, people were often told they needed to change their car's oil every three months. But, unless your car is relatively old or frequently made short-distance trips, it's unlikely that this was the true threshold.
Today, it's not uncommon for cars to be able to safely go 7,500 miles or 10,000 miles before it's necessary to change the oil.
The total distance will depend on a handful of factors, such as the make, model, and age of your car. Your driving habits also play a huge role, as long trips on the highway are better for engine oil usage than short trips within the city.
In general, though, 5,000 miles is a safe number to use as an oil change interval.
Time
Even if you've only driven 1,000 in a handful of months, you'll eventually need to replace your oil anyway.
The longer oil is in your car, the more likely it may 'cake up' within the engine, which could lead to performance issues. This is especially true if you don't drive your vehicle for months at a time.
The second issue lies with car use over this time period. The longer oil sits in your engine, the more it will begin to absorb abrasive metal fragments. Running the car afterward can lead to engine complications.
Additionally, those who barely drive their vehicle (especially for only short trips) over a 6-month period run the risk of sludge accumulating in their engine since the car would have rarely reached hot enough temperatures to evaporate accumulated water.
Is There Anything Else to Keep in Mind?
Yes!
Neglecting oil changes will not only put you at risk of damaging your engine, but you may also miss the warning signs of larger issues.
For example, an oil change will allow a mechanic to see if there's anything else under the hood that needs attention. From here, you can take the necessary steps to fix it.
Without changing your oil at least twice per year, undiscovered problems can become worse over time.
When to Change Engine Oil: Final Thoughts
With the above information about when to change engine oil in mind, you'll be well on your way to ensuring your vehicle stays running as smoothly as possible.
Want to learn more about the maintenance services we offer? This page has plenty of useful info.