There are four main "recommended" intervals for oil changes based on factors specific to you and your car:
- Every 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) or every six months
- Every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers)
- Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,046 to 12,070 kilometers)
- Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every six months (16,093 to 24,140 kilometers)
How long should I wait before getting an oil change?
- Every 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) or every six months
- Every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers)
- Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,046 to 12,070 kilometers)
- Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every six months (16,093 to 24,140 kilometers)
How long can you go without getting an oil change?
There is no way for your engine to perform if you did not change the engine oil at all. Automotive experts recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on your driving style, the environment, and the type of oil you use. Your engine can also run without an oil change up to 10,000 miles.
How long to let engine cool before changing oil?
How Long Should I Let My Car Cool Down Before Adding Oil? If you want to get an accurate reading, park your car on level ground. The engine should be turned off and cooled down by 10 to 15 minutes. In the past, oil manufacturers advised you to check your oil when the engine was cold, so that the oil could settle in the pan before it was too cold.
When is too long for an oil change?
This is why the recommended time between oil changes is no longer every 3,000 miles. The engines today are built to use synthetic oil and other lubricants, and an oil change is now recommended every 5,000 miles and some makes and models, every 7,500 miles. Yes, your great granddad would be shocked today.
What happens if you don't use the right oil for your engine?
Modern engines are designed and built to exacting standards and require oils that meet very specific industry and automaker specifications to ensure a long service life. Failure to use the right type oil, and document its use, could void your new-car warranty. (AAA Image)
What oil is needed for a late model car?
Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade, resource-conserving oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. However, choosing the right oil is not always easy. The proper oil for your make and model of vehicle must have the correct SAE viscosity grade, meet performance standards set by the API, ILSAC and/or ACEA, and comply with any unique specifications established by the automaker or engine manufacturer. These requirements are detailed in your vehicle owner's manual, and your auto repair shop can provide information on your vehicle’s recommended oil specifications as well.
How does AAA recommend car repair?
AAA recommends that you plan ahead for vehicle service by finding an auto repair shop and technician you can trust before you need them. AAA.com/Repair provides information on nearly 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities that have met AAA’s high standards for appearance, technician training and certification, insurance coverage and customer satisfaction. AAA regularly inspects every Approved Auto Repair facility and surveys their customers to ensure ongoing performance. In addition, AAA members receive special benefits that include auto repair discounts, an extended 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor warranty, and AAA assistance in resolving repair-related issues.
How does oil life monitoring work?
Most newer cars are equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that automatically determine when an oil change is needed and notify you with an alert on the instrument panel. Early simple systems are time and mileage based, but current advanced designs analyze actual vehicle operating conditions to identify when the oil will begin to degrade. In fact, the owner's and maintenance manuals for many newer cars eliminate "severe service" recommendations altogether because the oil-life monitoring system automatically shortens the oil change interval when it detects heavy-duty operation.
Do older cars have oil changes?
Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in "normal" operation and another for those used in "severe service." The latter category involves operating your car under one or more of the following conditions:
How long does it take to get an oil change?
If you bring your vehicle in, expect to wait between 15 and 45 minutes for an oil change. If you take your vehicle to a quick lube shop and can be seen immediately, the process can take as little as 15 minutes. Longer estimates typically account for wait time due to customer backlog: the other customers who scheduled their service or got there before you did.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
While the old rule of thumb has always been 3,000 miles or three months in between oil changes, this is a general, and outdated, idea. While it’s essential to have oil changes that keep your vehicle running efficiently and keep your warranties valid, many vehicles perform well after 3,000 miles.
What Type of Oil Do I Need?
Now that you know how often to change oil, it’s time to pick out the best oil for your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will specify the exact weight of oil for your vehicle. The weight of oil, such as 5W-20 or 10W-30, describes the viscosity at the ideal operating temperatures of your oil. For more information about oil weight, synthetic vs. conventional, and all the best brands and additives for your vehicle, stop by AutoZone.
Why Do Repair Shops Take Longer Than Quick Lube Shops?
There are two main factors that make a quick lube shop faster than a repair shop. First, a quick lube shop specializes in oil changes, so the setup may be geared toward rapid oil changes. Second, a repair shop typically performs other routine inspections and tune ups, so it can take additional time as they check your tire pressure, coolant level, and other maintenance areas.
How far can you drive without oil change?
On the other extreme, many vehicles can safely drive for up to 10,000 miles. When you run synthetic oil and drive longer distances on a newer vehicle, you may be able to drive up to 10,000 miles before changing your oil. It’s best to consult a professional opinion at your local AutoZone or repair shop before driving this distance without an oil change, and whatever your driving conditions may be, an important rule of thumb is to strictly adhere to the drain interval requirements set in your owner’s manual.
How long does it take to change oil in a car?
Finally, DIY oil changes typically take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on your tools, experience, and garage setup. Another factor is what kind of car you drive. Many cars have oil drain plugs and filters that are easily accessible on ...
What is an oil change?
An oil change is one of the most common maintenance projects on a vehicle. However, you may have questions surrounding this process. If you’re unsure about how long an oil change takes, where to take your car for an oil change, or any other questions about an oil change, find answers to these common questions today.
How many miles between oil changes?
If your car's manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, or if you decide to make the switch, you could go as many as 10,000 miles or more between oil changes. Though synthetic oil is much more expensive than regular oil, it has more benefits.
How to know when your car needs an oil change?
These systems track your mileage and also use data from your driving that's analyzed by your car's computer to determine when your car needs an oil change. When the light illuminates, it's best to get the oil changed as soon as possible, but it's not necessarily urgent.
What factors affect the oil you use in your car?
That depends on factors specific to you and your car, such as what kind of driving you do (e.g., stop-and-go traffic or highway driving), how much mileage you're adding and whether your car uses regular or synthetic oil.
Why does my oil pressure light come on?
Learn the difference between the two dash lights, because if the oil pressure light comes on, you need to stop driving as soon as possible to avoid engine damage.
How many miles can you go with synthetic oil?
Sure you can. In fact, you can even go over 10,000 miles with synthetic oil.
What color should my oil be?
If the level is low, add oil. Good oil should be a clear brown-black color, though the Automobile Association of America (AAA) cautions that color is not the only indicator of oil life. If the oil is murky or opaque, it might be time for a change, and if it's milky, your engine may be leaking coolant. If your car has one of the aforementioned oil ...
Why does oil break down faster?
If you're not making long trips at high, steady speeds (like you would on a highway) then your engine isn't getting hot enough to boil off condensation that accumulates in the system. That can cause oil to break down faster.
Why Do Repair Shops Say I Should Change My Oil So Dang Often?
Your average 3,000-mile quickie-lube sticker gives you a general suggestion of when to change your oil based on a really severe maintenance schedule. Their job is to sell oil changes, after all. The real authority you should consult first—if you’re erring on the side of caution and not in the market for a new lawnmower—is the owner’s manual for your vehicle. Different vehicles have different maintenance needs, especially with recent advances in automotive technology that have pushed some newer cars’ oil change intervals out to 7,500 or 10,000 miles, or once every six to 12 months.
Why Are Oil Change Recommendations Given in Mileage and in Time?
Oil degrades over time. The longer it sits, the less viscous it becomes and thus, the less effective it will be at keeping various engine components properly lubricated. Synthetic oil is designed to break down more slowly over time, which means you can probably stretch its oil changes out a little longer, but it still breaks down like any other oil. Oil that degrades too much can cause engine sludge that can block oil flow entirely.
What Is a “Normal” Vs. “Severe” Maintenance Schedule for Oil Changes?
Remember how we keep calling the quick lube’s usual suggestion “severe?” Owners’ manuals often list both a “normal” and a “severe” maintenance schedule, with the latter being for harder driving, extreme weather, and other cases where there’s extra stress per mile on the engine, such as hauling heavy loads, towing, and track day use.
Why is my car's oil life shorter?
If you don’t run your car for very long very often, the engine won’t get hot enough to burn off this moisture, and your oil won’t be as effective at lubricating your engine, eventually leading to shorter engine life. Few things beat simply pulling the dipstick out of the engine for a visual check.
How much does an oil analysis cost?
An oil analysis will tell you how long your car can really go between oil changes. They’re cheap, too—Blackstone’s standard analysis is just $30 , and can tell you if you’re changing your oil too often or not often enough. Knowing to skip even one unnecessary trip to the shop makes it worthwhile.
How to change oil on a sandbox?
Step 1: Set up for a full oil change. Don’t change your oil just yet! You need to pull your sample from your dirty oil, after all. Wait to finish your oil change until after you’ve pulled a sample.
How long does it take for a car to burn off condensation?
It typically takes about 10 miles to burn off that moisture, so if trips over 10 miles are rare-to-never, follow the “severe” schedule until you can get an expert analysis done.
What Happens if I Wait Too Long for an Oil Change?
If your oil continues to run through your engine unchanged, you’ll begin to face a laundry list of problems.
When an oil change is completed, should you always ensure that you or your service expert reset your vehicle's oil-?
When an oil change is completed, you should always ensure that you or your service expert reset your vehicle’s oil-monitoring system. This ensures that you can keep your proper maintenance schedule.
What Does Engine Oil Do?
As a matter of fact, every vehicle has its own requirements when it comes to the type of oil you should be using. To put it simply, base oils are the backbone of the finished lubricant that ends up in your engine. They can be conventional, synthetic, a blend or high-mileage.
Why does oil wear out?
This allows the internal components of the engine to work together seamlessly without overheating. Over time, your engine oil begins to break down and wear out. This causes the oil to become increasingly less effective at lubricating your engine’s parts and absorbing heat.
What happens if you don't change your oil?
Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.
Why is it important to change oil?
Of course, these are very scary! From overheating engines to voiding your car’s warranty, your oil change is crucial to the overall safety and lifespan of your vehicle. Lucky for you, oil changes continue to be one of the least expensive and quickest maintenance services available.
What color should my oil be?
When checking your oil, it is also a good habit to notice the color. Although oil color is not the only indicator of oil life, good oil should be a clear, brown-black color. If the oil is murky or milky, service is needed as soon as possible. If you have any questions about what oil service plan is best for you and your vehicle, ...
Where to find the correct oil change interval?
If your vehicle runs synthetics—and most do these days—the best place to find the correct oil-change interval is the owner's manual. Manufacturers' recommended synthetic-oil change intervals vary greatly.
What is oil quality monitoring?
Many newer vehicles have oil-quality monitoring systems that keep track of driving conditions—the length of your trips, engine temperatures, and other engine parameters. The algorithms in those systems calculate when your oil should be changed and alert you when it's time. Getty Images.
What is the difference between synthetic and regular oil?
They are typically two to three times more expensive than regular oils, but they are cleaner and more robust, have superior chemical and mechanical properties, especially in extreme temperature ranges, and can retain those properties longer between changes.
What is synthetic oil?
The synthetic oil in your car's engine has an incredibly challenging job. From lying cold in the bottom of the engine's oil pan, it needs to surge up to the valve gear at the very top, then flow all the way back down down, and that has to happen almost instantly when you start the engine. The oil protects everything inside your engine: bearings, pistons, cylinder walls, and all the other parts that that move or touch something that does.
Can you put synthetic oil in a car?
There's no hard-and-fast rule that you should put them into your car's crankcase, however. Most important is to use a synthetic with the same SAE viscosity (named for the engineering organization SAE International) that the factory filled your car with in the first place, and to follow the correct oil-change interval.
Does synthetic oil make a difference?
Today's highest-performing, longest-lasting engine oils are synthetics, which means they are typically engineered and manufactured from chemically modified petroleum components (and some other materials).
