Whether you’ve been driving for many years or only six months, there may be times you are confused about oil changes for your car. With new technological advancements in vehicles plus new types of oil products, where can you find out how often do you really need to change your oil? Take a look in your owner’s manual. You will find the manufacturer’s recommended service guidelines for your specific vehicle.
There are four main issues to consider when it comes to oil changes:
- When to Change the Oil. Many vehicles now have service reminder monitors that will alert drivers when to change the oil. These systems monitor the number of miles a vehicle has traveled, and also sense how hard the car is being driven. Has your oil changed as soon as possible after you’ve received such an alert?
- How Often to Check the Oil Level. Check the oil level at least once a month to keep your engine functioning properly. Even newer cars may need the oil topped off between changes. And be sure to get even a small leak repaired as soon as possible. Some newer cars have electronic oil monitors instead of traditional dipsticks. If your vehicle has a dipstick, you can check the oil level yourself, or most auto mechanics will be happy to check it for you. Pay attention to the color of the oil too. It should be brown in appearance. Your mechanic will also look for any metal particles in the oil, which could mean internal engine damage.
- How Often to Change the Oil. Some mechanics still adhere to the “every 3,000 miles or every 3 months” rule. But advances in engines and oil have made that rule obsolete. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles or six to 12 months. However, even if you don’t drive many miles in a year, oil still needs to be kept fresh—so have an oil change at least twice a year.
- Choosing the Right Oil. In some new vehicles, the weight of the recommended oil is printed on the cap where you add oil. Or read your owner’s manual so you know what’s recommended or required. Synthetic oil could be the best choice as it is designed to be more effective longer than standard oils and can help prolong the life of your engine, especially if you drive short commutes, live in a region with extreme temperatures, or if you tow or haul heavy materials. Synthetic oil also reduces sludge buildup, which can block the flow of oil, leading to engine damage.
So how often do you really need to change your oil to protect your engine? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto to ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Whether you’ve been driving for many years or only six months, there may be times you are confused about oil changes for your car. With new technological advancements in vehicles plus new types of oil products, where can you find out how often do you really need to change your oil? Take a look in your owner’s manual. You will find the manufacturer’s recommended service guidelines for your specific vehicle.
There are four main issues to consider when it comes to oil changes:
- When to Change the Oil. Many vehicles now have service reminder monitors that will alert drivers when to change the oil. These systems monitor the number of miles a vehicle has traveled, and also sense how hard the car is being driven. Has your oil changed as soon as possible after you’ve received such an alert?
- How Often to Check the Oil Level. Check the oil level at least once a month to keep your engine functioning properly. Even newer cars may need the oil topped off between changes. And be sure to get even a small leak repaired as soon as possible. Some newer cars have electronic oil monitors instead of traditional dipsticks. If your vehicle has a dipstick, you can check the oil level yourself, or most auto mechanics will be happy to check it for you. Pay attention to the color of the oil too. It should be brown in appearance. Your mechanic will also look for any metal particles in the oil, which could mean internal engine damage.
- How Often to Change the Oil. Some mechanics still adhere to the “every 3,000 miles or every 3 months” rule. But advances in engines and oil have made that rule obsolete. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles or six to 12 months. However, even if you don’t drive many miles in a year, oil still needs to be kept fresh—so have an oil change at least twice a year.
- Choosing the Right Oil. In some new vehicles, the weight of the recommended oil is printed on the cap where you add oil. Or read your owner’s manual so you know what’s recommended or required. Synthetic oil could be the best choice as it is designed to be more effective longer than standard oils and can help prolong the life of your engine, especially if you drive short commutes, live in a region with extreme temperatures, or if you tow or haul heavy materials. Synthetic oil also reduces sludge buildup, which can block the flow of oil, leading to engine damage.
So how often do you really need to change your oil to protect your engine? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto to ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
