How Often Should You Really Change Your Oil?

Are you wondering how often should you really change your oil? This is the proverbial million dollar question in the automotive industry today. Auto shops have found that often vehicle owners will skip an oil change because they think they are saving money or they simply don’t know what kind of oil change is needed for their vehicle.

If you are in that category, just be aware that the repair for engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes. Many auto shops offer oil change coupons to make timely oil changes more affordable for their customers!

5 facts you should know about oil changes:

1. Purpose. Clean oil keeps the engine lubricated so that the metal components aren’t grinding against each other and creating excessive heat. Changing the oil carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can clog up the engine parts.
2. Mileage Interval. Depends on the age of your vehicle, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. With today’s upgraded oils, the interval for many engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or some oil (particularly full synthetic oil) is good for 15,000 miles.
3. Warning Light. Most warning lights are programmed to come on automatically at the 3,000-mile mark after each oil change. Don’t rely on this light as the oil level may already be too low before it comes on.
4. Temperature. The Society of Automotive Engineers developed designations to indicate the viscosity of the oil. It is generally less viscous (thinner) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot. For example, for 10-30W oil–the “10” refers to the viscosity when the engine is cold and the “30” refers to the viscosity when the engine is hot.
5. Type of Oil. There are three general types of oil–conventional, premium, and synthetic. Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines typically use conventional oils. Premium oils have extra additives useful for special driving needs, and blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are often used for trucks and SUVs.

Keeping up with oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level. Follow your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic about the appropriate mileage interval and what type of oil is best for your vehicle.

Want to know more about how often should you really change your oil? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today at (360) 692-1414 about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.