How Often Should I Change the Car Engine Oil?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of oil you use, the age of your car, and how you drive.

Type of Oil

There are two main types of oil: conventional oil and synthetic oil. Conventional oil is made from petroleum and is less expensive than synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is made from a variety of chemicals and is more expensive than conventional oil. However, synthetic oil lasts longer and provides better protection for your engine.

If you use conventional oil, you should change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you use synthetic oil, you can change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Age of Your Car

As your car ages, the oil filter becomes less effective at removing contaminants from the oil. This can lead to premature engine wear. Therefore, you should change the oil filter more frequently as your car ages.

For cars that are less than 5 years old, you should change the oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For cars that are 5 to 10 years old, you should change the oil filter every 2,500 to 4,000 miles. For cars that are over 10 years old, you should change the oil filter every 2,000 to 3,000 miles.

Driving Habits

If you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, you should change the oil more frequently. This is because stop-and-go traffic causes the oil to break down more quickly.

You should also change the oil more frequently if you tow a trailer or drive in dusty or dirty conditions.

How to Check Your Oil

You can check your oil level by using the dipstick. The dipstick is located under the hood of your car. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the engine and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.

If the oil level is low, you should add oil until it reaches the full mark.

How to Change Your Oil

You can change your oil yourself or you can take your car to a mechanic. If you decide to change your oil yourself, you will need the following:

• New oil
• New oil filter
• Oil pan
• Funnel
• Wrench

To change your oil, follow these steps:

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
3. Open the hood of your car.
4. Locate the oil drain plug and place the oil pan underneath it.
5. Use the wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the pan.
6. Once the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug and tighten it with the wrench.
7. Locate the oil filter and use the wrench to loosen it.
8. Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new oil filter.
9. Tighten the new oil filter with the wrench.
10. Use the funnel to add new oil to the engine.
11. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more oil if necessary.
12. Close the hood of your car.

Conclusion

Changing your car’s engine oil is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By following the guidelines in this article, you can help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come.