How Often Should I Change My Oil?

Everyone has a different idea of how often your vehicle’s oil should be changed and what kind of oil is best for your vehicle. It doesn't help that opinions and vehicle requirements keep changing with new technology over time. What once worked for your grandpa’s 1957 vehicle is vastly different from what works with the vehicles of today. So who's right? Let's answer some questions about getting an oil change once and for all.

Why do I need to change my oil?

It’s simple: Dirty oil is less effective than clean oil. The oil in your car is like the blood in your veins. If it’s not there or it’s dirty, your vehicle can’t function properly. Over time, the contaminants in the dirty oil actually begin to erode the metal in the engine, causing parts of the engine to malfunction. Dirt collects and rust reducers fail causing the oil to become useless. Changing the oil isn't just a pesky chore--it's a necessity if you want your vehicle to last. Changing your oil with regularity can prolong the life of your engine and save you a lot of money and headaches over time. The bottom line: Buying oil is cheaper than replacing an engine.

So how often should you change your oil?

Knowing when to change your oil is tricky because there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Different cars and engines require different maintenance schedules. The old rule-of-thumb required that you change your oil between every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. This rule was black and white--about as basic as any rule of the road--and was drilled into drivers. Ask anyone who learned to drive a car before 1990 and they will probably say “3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever occurs first.”

But times have changed.

Philip Reed, a senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com says this advice no longer applies to vehicles bought in the year 2000 and beyond.

The new rule--and perhaps the one that makes the most sense--is that you consult your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations. Your car may respond differently to oil than other cars.

Additionally, your car may experience rougher driving conditions or more wear and tear than other vehicles. All of this is taken into consideration when deciding how often an oil change is necessary and when choosing the right type of oil for your vehicle.

How do I know what type of oil is best for my car?

Walk into any auto parts store and you’ll find several options when it comes to oil. There are oil types for high-tech engines, new cars, higher-mileage vehicles, heavy-duty/off-road SUVs and even options for different seasons (winter/summer). So how do you know which type works best for your vehicle and driving style. Some might even wonder, “Is it ok to change oil brands or types?”

The four types of oil to choose from include:

- Premium Conventional Oil - standard new-car oil (5W-20 or 5W-30 oil with 10W-30 oil as an option for high temperature areas such as the desert in summer).

- Full Synthetic Oil - made for high-tech engines where the oil needs to flow better at low temperatures and be at it’s top lubricity even at high temperatures.    

     - This oil type also costs more and some engines have features that synthetic oil doesn't have.

- Synthetic Blend Oil - synthetic/organic mix formulated for heavier loads and high temperatures. Popular blend for trucks/SUVs.

- Higher Mileage Oil - formulated for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more.    

    - This oil type has an added seal conditioner that swells to stop leaks in the crankshaft.Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the car manufacturers recommendation. Keep in mind, however, that the recommendation given is for a brand-new car, not the one that you put over 70k miles on since it was purchased. You can change oil brands when changing your oil but keep in mind to always go with a better type of oil, such as going from a premium conventional oil to the full synthetic oil.

What if I don't know how to change my oil or don't want to do it?

Well, you're not alone.

Many people rank changing their car's oil right up there with getting a root canal or speaking in public.

Thankfully, we at Quality Tune-Up Shops are here to help. We believe that (oil) change is a good thing. If you need help changing your oil or just need some more advice on when to do it, bring your car into your nearest Quality Tune-Up Shop and we'll do our best to help.