When should a brand new car get its first oil change?
Make sure you change your new car's oil and filter for the first time at 1500 miles unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
How long should you really wait between oil changes?
Should you change your oil every 3 months? The traditional recommendation is to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. This rule of thumb came about in the 1950s as a safe estimate of how long engine oil holds up. This might be true for older cars, but most new cars can go longer than that between changes.
Should oil be changed every 3000 miles?
The rule that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles comes from a time when vehicles did not have this kind of monitoring capability. Most of the time, car owners had to guess as to what condition their oil was in, or check the dipstick. This is why the idea of changing the oil so often came to be so popular.
What is the recommended mileage for 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)
Do you really need to change oil every 6 months?
It is recommended to get your oil changed at least twice a year, even if you haven't driven those thousands of miles that are normally recommended. Oil, like anything, degrades over time, and if you have oil degrading in your engine for months and months and months, that's not good for your vehicle.
Can I change oil every 2 years?
Simply put, as a general rule, manufacturers recommend that you change the oil for a gasoline engine every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or about once a year for “regular” usage (frequent but not intensive) or once every 2 years if used less frequently.
Is it OK to change oil once a year?
Most people should change their oil twice a year. Basically, once every six months. But if you find yourself driving a ton, or doing a lot of rough driving (high acceleration, lots of stop and go, etc.) check your owner's manual and account for your driving style.
What are signs that your car needs oil?
6 Signs Your Car's Oil Needs ChangingCheck Engine or Oil Change Light. The most obvious alert that there's an issue with your oil will come from the car itself. ... Engine Noise and Knocking. ... Dark, Dirty Oil. ... Oil Smell Inside the Car. ... Exhaust Smoke. ... Excessive Mileage. ... Change Oil Promptly.
Do I need to change oil if I don't drive much?
The answer to this pressing question is yes. As engine oil degrades with time, getting it changed at recommended intervals is imperative for maintaining the overall condition of the engine and your vehicle.
What happens if you don't change your oil for 2 years?
The longer an oil change is put off, the engine in general will start to show problems. Most commonly, your engine will simply become too hot, which can cause it to run less efficiently. If the heat doesn't cause a gasket to blow, it will warp the parts of your engine.
Why have I not changed my oil in 2 years?
In fact, if you wait too long for an oil change, your smooth and clean oil will turn into dirty sludge. When this happens, your engine must work harder to fight through the buildup of muck. It loses its lubrication, and decreases heat absorption. This means that your car will be susceptible to major issues.
How many months can a car go without an oil change?
The “every 3,000 miles or every three months” rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months for time.
How long can you go without an oil change?
5,000 to 7,500 milesCars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
Does oil need to be changed every year?
However, engine oil also degrades with time, so it's just as important to change your oil when the time-based interval has been reached. The general recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, with twice a year being the minimum.
How long does an oil change last?
about 30-45 minutesTypically, an oil change takes about 30-45 minutes. The process includes draining out the existing oil and changing the oil filter, then placing new oil into the engine.
How long can car oil sit?
Even though unused oil has a shelf life of around five years, it's not the best idea to use oil that has been sitting in your vehicle's engine for six months or more. Over time, motor oil loses its viscosity and ability to lubricate, protect, and clean your engine.
How often should I change oil?
You should get an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 miles for most cars. However, you should be able to go 10,000 t0 15,000 miles in between oil chan...
How much is an oil change?
An oil change is one of the cheapest maintenance your car will need. A basic oil change will run you $25 to $55, while a syntactic oil change will...
How long does an oil change take?
An oil change should only take about 30 minutes to complete if done correctly.
How to know when it's time to change oil?
For people who aren’t keeping track of their mileage, another way to know it’s time to change your oil is looking at the dipstick. When it’s dark, it’s time to change the oil, according to McKenzie. Newer cars might even have an oil change light on the dashboard to take out the guessing work. Once you do change your oil, Fix says to opt for ...
What happens if I don’t change my oil?
Over time, the chemical structures in the oil break down and make it a less effective lubricant, according to McKenzie. And the oil is there to reduce friction, which causes heat. So if you leave your oil unchanged long enough, you’re asking for trouble and a hot engine. “This will at first make your vehicle run less efficiently, but eventually it will destroy your engine, effectively totaling your car,” McKenzie says. If left long enough, the entire engine will shut down, and you’ll have to replace it.
What happens if you leave oil unchanged?
And the oil is there to reduce friction, which causes heat. So if you leave your oil unchanged long enough, you’re asking for trouble and a hot engine. “This will at first make your vehicle run less efficiently, but eventually it will destroy your engine, effectively totaling your car,” McKenzie says. If left long enough, the entire engine will ...
Why is it important to keep up with oil changes?
According to Fix, keeping up with oil changes helps engines last longer and offers better fuel economy, too. Not changing your oil often enough is one way you’re shortening the life of your car.
Can I just add oil to my car?
You have to actually change your oil to get rid of the dirt and grime built up in your engine, which isn’t the same thing as simply adding more oil, Fix says. Plus, your oil shouldn’t be going anywhere, unless there’s a leak, McKenzie says.
Do you have to replace an engine if left too long?
If left long enough, the entire engine will shut down, and you’ll have to replace it. Those who do keep up with regular oil changes will reap the rewards for their car and wallet. According to Fix, keeping up with oil changes helps engines last longer and offers better fuel economy, too.
Can I just add some fresh oil?
Plus, your oil shouldn’t be going anywhere, unless there’s a leak , McKenzie says. If there’s room to add more oil or your levels are low, you could have a larger issue like an oil leak. A car in good condition, however, only needs a routine oil change. If you’re refilling any of your car’s fluids every month, it’s one of 14 signs your car is about to die.
How long does it take to change motor oil?
Traditional motor oils should be changed after approximately 5,000-miles of service. Semi-Synthetic motor oil combines traditional and synthetic blends and are a good choice for vehicles that operate under heavier loads, and extended driving sessions.
How many miles between oil changes?
It’s inconvenient on one hand but necessary on the other. Today’s newer-tech engines using synthetic oil are engineered to go anywhere from 7,500 to 15,000 miles between oil changes. While more exacting standards in engine-building technology are now in-play, the quality of the synthetic oils have also improved.
Why is Changing Oil Important?
And the need to keep that oil clean to ensure long engine life. That entails draining the oil, replacing the filter, and refilling the engine with new lubricant.
What is synthetic oil?
Newer synthetic oils are a blend of traditional oil with lubricants and other additives that enhance its performance, but comes at a higher price, on average, than regular oils.
How much does it cost to change an oil filter?
Even so, a typical conventional oil and filter change will run in the neighborhood of $25 to $55, depending on which neighborhood you live in, of course. Using synthetic oils will up those prices to anywhere from $45 to $75, give or take.
How many miles can you extend your oil life?
Lately, with the use of synthetic blends and full synthetic oils, owners are now able to push out or extend the vehicle’s oil life further to 10,000 miles or even as much as 15,000 miles.
How to determine what type of lubricant is best for my car?
To decide what type of lubricant is suitable for your vehicle’s engine, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. Inside you will find the type, grade, and frequency of change for your engine’s oil.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
If you have a manual that came with your vehicle, it will likely give you the answer for your specific vehicle. However, it also depends on your driving habits and the type of oil you use.
Top 4 Factors Influencing How Often You Need to Change Your Engine Oil
How often you change the oil in your car starts with the type of car you have and its’ engine. Diesel engines are different from gasoline engines, just as turbocharged engines are different from regular engines.
Should I Choose Synthetic or Conventional Oil?
The decision to choose conventional or synthetic oil may depend on your budget. Conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic oil, but synthetic is known to last longer. It’s also known to provide benefits for your vehicle due to the lack of impurities found in the structure. It’s more consistent compared to conventional oil.
Does the Oil Filter Matter?
Yes, if you never have the oil filter changed, you will end up needing to change your oil more often. This is due to the contaminants getting left behind in the filter. Whenever you get an oil change, you should have the filter changed, too. This can help you keep your oil changes on the right schedule.
When do I need to change the oil more often?
You might hear the terms normal service maintenance schedule and severe maintenance schedule when trying to figure out how often to change engine oil. These are different routines based on a few factors. For most people, a normal service maintenance schedule is fine.
How long should oil be left in crankcase?
And finally, almost no automaker recommends that oil should be left in the crankcase for more than one year —no matter the mileage. DIY.
What does it mean when your oil pressure light is on?
If that's on while you're driving or idling, it means you're out of oil or have a very serious engine issue. Time to park and key off.
How many miles can you drive in severe conditions?
Severe conditions include: If you make many short trips of five miles or less (in normal temperatures)
Do oil refiners make extended life oils?
Some oil refiners produce sophisticated carmaker-approved extended-life oils that do help stretch the time between changes. These oils have special chemistry or additives that support their ability to go longer distances. They resist high-temperature breakdown better and keep dirt and particulates in suspension longer so that the oil filter can catch them. They also cost more than standard oils; you'll need to do the math to see if it's worth the extra cost.
Do you have to recycle oil?
If you're changing your own oil, be sure to recycle properly. Most auto-parts stores (check before you buy) and oil-change businesses will take back used oil at no charge. Whether you do it yourself or have it done for you, changing your oil at the proper intervals will make your engine last longer and run better.
Do all newer vehicles use synthetic oil?
About synthetics: Almost all newer vehicles use synthetic oil, so if the manufacturer specifies that, you must use it. Many older vehicles weren't filled with synthetics when new and still use conventional petroleum-based oil. In that case, you have a choice. Oil Change Intervals... Continued.
Are Frequent Oil Changes Better?
Not surprisingly, service providers (oil-change shops and dealerships) tend to recommend shorter change intervals (3000 to 5000 miles). That can never hurt your engine, but it also means they'll see you and your credit card more often. When your car's on the lift for an oil change, other wear items such as brake pads, coolant, tires, and shocks can also be assessed and possibly replaced. So it's also obviously good for their business. (With older vehicles, which may burn oil, you'll want to check the oil level using the dipstick at least once a month.) But if you're not driving your car in severe conditions—and few of us are—you can stick to the manufacturer's recommended oil-change intervals (which often include an oil-filter change at the same time). And of course, if your car has an oil-life monitor, heed that.
Why do you need an oil change?
When the filter can no longer keep the contaminants out of your motor oil, it's time for an oil change. If you go too long without one, the contaminants build up and cause costly sludge issues and reduce the oil's viscosity.
Why do people change their oil at 3,000 miles?
Many drivers stick with the 3,000 mile oil change guidelines because their owner's manual used to recommend that back on their 1967 Camaro, or even before. The 3,000-mile oil change guideline has likely been around longer than your parents have been driving. Many drivers still stand by it today. There are a lot of arguments here, as many of us have been rewarded with a reliable vehicle after religiously changing the oil at 3,000 miles. Why change what works?
What does viscosity mean in oil?
Viscosity is a science term that sounds like it would mean oil's thickness. That's not quite right though. Viscosity is actually the “measure of its resistance to deformation at a given rate" in geek speak, or simply a fluid's resistance to flowing. High viscosity fluids like molasses are resistant to flowing compared to low viscosity fluids, such as water, that flow freely. So the viscosity measurement on the front of the oil bottle is its resistance to flow at a given temperature. Let's look at how to read the numbers.
Why is synthetic oil better than regular oil?
Synthetic oils are superior due to a lack of impurities, and a more uniform molecular structure. This makes a more consistent and durable oil, giving you better protection and better flow at cold and hot temperatures. This easy ability to flow creates some benefits for your engine, usually making a slight bump in gas mileage and power.
Why does my oil turn dark?
The slight clearance between moving parts—say , between piston rings and cylinder walls—allows trace amounts of burned fuel to mix with the oil, contaminating it. Over time, these contaminants will turn your oil dark. The oil filter keeps a lot of that junk from circulating in your engine, but it has a limited capacity. When the filter can no longer keep the contaminants out of your motor oil, it's time for an oil change. If you go too long without one, the contaminants build up and cause costly sludge issues and reduce the oil's viscosity.
How many miles does an engine need to run before the transmission fails?
On modern cars, the electrical systems generally fail long before the engine or transmission does. It's stupid to try to get 400,000 miles out of an engine by doing oil changes every 1,000 miles, when the first unfixable ECM failure will mean the car goes to the junkyard. see more. Show more replies.
Is it better to switch to higher viscosity oil or lower viscosity oil?
On the other hand, switching to a lower viscosity oil *could* gain you some additional horsepower, if you remember playing Gran Turismo, along with increased gas mileage. The potential downside is less engine protection between critical parts. Is that really worth 2 horsepower or a 0.5 MPG gain to lessen engine protection? Probably not. Note that the manufacturer's engineers used a specific weight of oil when building, testing, and certifying your engine. If you want all the horsepower, gas mileage and low emissions that the factory says the engine makes, then you want to stick with the oil it was designed for. If your oil cap doesn't list it, consult your owner's manual.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Car Oil if not Driven for Twelve Months?
If you’re asking how often to change the oil when your car won’t be driven for a whole year, the answer may surprise you.
What happens if I Drive a Car with Old Oil that needs to be Changed Often?
Oil needs to be changed more regularly if the car is under certain stress; this would affect how often to change the car oil when (not) driven.
How long does oil last in a car?
Even oil that never makes it into a car engine has an expiration date, about five years. The oil doesn’t come out of the ground the same it looks when it comes to the auto parts store or garage in that branded plastic container. Processed motor oil, synthetic or organic, has a shelf life.
How long should you keep oil in a car?
When storing the car, they believe, one should not push it past a year. Many would not feel comfortable letting oil sit in an unused car for more than six months.
How long does it take for oil to go bad?
The answer is clear – six months is generally okay if the oil was in good shape at the time of storage. A year is too long.
What kind of oil is used in a car?
Most oils today are synthetic or synthetic blend. Oil comes in a few different “flavors,” so to speak. Check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic what oil you should be using in your car.
Why do older cars need oil changes?
Older cars are more vulnerable to engine damage due to aged oil. Vehicles that carry heavy loads, drive in extreme temperatures (hello, Chicagoland!), and operate for mostly trips of a distance less than five miles need some extra oil change love.
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 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.
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.
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.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Two factors determine when you'll need to change your oil—time and mileage, according to Jake McKenzie, the Content Manager of Auto Accessories Garage. "Both time and mileage will allow the oil to break down and become a less effective lubricant for your engine," McKenzie says.
What Happens If I Don't Change My Oil?
Over time, the chemical structures in the oil break down and make it a less effective lubricant, according to McKenzie. And the oil is there to reduce friction, which causes heat. So if you leave your oil unchanged long enough, you're asking for trouble and a hot engine.
Can I Just Add Fresh Oil?
Just adding oil to your car is a huge mistake. You have to actually change your oil to get rid of the dirt and grime built up in your engine, which isn't the same thing as simply adding more oil, Fix says. Plus, your oil shouldn't be going anywhere, unless there's a leak, McKenzie says.
Buying a Smart Lock
If you've ever thought your door lock could use a bit more oomph or forgot to twist your key one last time before leaving home, you'd benefit from a smart lock. These innovative smart home devices ensure peace of mind and provide a great service for rental properties.
When Your Vehicle Is in Warranty
When Your Vehicle Is Out of Warranty
Are Frequent Oil Changes Better?
Longer-Life Oils
A Few Words of Caution
Recycling Oil
FAQs
- How often should you change your oil in months?
It depends on the manufacturer. The old-school way was every three months, but with improvements to oil quality and engine materials, that interval can be pushed to anywhere between six and 12 months. Your owner's manual will detail the interval. - What happens if you go too long without an oil change?
As your oil quality wears down, so do the components it's supposed to protect. If you go excessively long between oil changes, you'll reach the point of no return, and your vehicle's engine will become a massive repair bill, or even total failure.