How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Engine Oil?

Your car’s engine oil is like the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates the moving parts of the engine, helps prevent corrosion, and helps keep the engine cool. Over time, engine oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal shavings, and other debris. This can lead to a decrease in engine performance and, eventually, to engine failure.

That’s why it’s important to change your car’s engine oil regularly. But how often should you change it? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of oil you use, the age of your car, and how often you drive.

Types of Engine Oil

There are two main types of engine oil: conventional oil and synthetic oil.

• Conventional oil is made from refined petroleum. It’s less expensive than synthetic oil, but it doesn’t last as long.
• Synthetic oil is made from man-made chemicals. It’s more expensive than conventional oil, but it lasts longer and provides better protection for your engine.

Age of Your Car

The age of your car can also affect how often you need to change your engine oil. Newer cars have more advanced engines that can tolerate longer oil change intervals. Older cars, on the other hand, need more frequent oil changes.

How Often You Drive

If you drive a lot, you’ll need to change your engine oil more often. This is because the oil will break down more quickly when it’s exposed to heat and friction.

Oil Change Intervals

Based on these factors, here are some general guidelines for how often you should change your car’s engine oil:

• Conventional oil: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles
• Synthetic oil: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
• Newer cars with advanced engines: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles
• Older cars: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles
• If you drive a lot: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles

How to Check Your Oil

It’s a good idea to check your oil level regularly, even if you’re not due for an oil change. To check your oil, follow these steps:

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the engine and pull it out again.
6. Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil

If you don’t change your oil regularly, it can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Decreased engine performance
• Increased engine wear
• Engine failure

Conclusion

Changing your car’s engine oil is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running smoothly. By following the guidelines in this article, you can help ensure that your engine stays healthy for many years to come.