The 3,000-mile oil change is a thing of the past. With the advances in automotive technology and synthetic oils, cars can now be driven more miles between oil changes than this outdated rule of thumb would have you think. Which leads to this question: “How many miles can you go over on an oil change service?"
The first step to take is to find out what your car actually needs. You’ll save time and money on too-frequent oil changes or the wrong kind of oil change. There are two ways to know when it’s time for an oil change:
- Read your owner’s manual. The scheduled maintenance section will tell you how many miles or how much time you can allow between oil changes. Most manufacturers also recommend changing the oil filter when you change the oil. Most maintenance schedules will give oil change schedules for severe and normal driving. If your driving habit fits the description of severe, such as driving at low speeds, extensive idling or towing a trailer, you’ll need more frequent oil changes.
- Service light on your dash. Some cars have a light that says “change oil soon” while others have an icon of a wrench or some other symbol. Generally, when the light comes on, it’s time to schedule an oil change.
Many of today’s new cars come equipped with an “oil life monitoring system” that calculates when you need an oil change. This is a computer that records information about how you drive, such as how long you drive and the engine’s operating conditions—then it calculates when an oil change is needed. Your owner’s manual will state whether your car has an oil life monitoring system.
The most important thing to remember is that keeping up with oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level.
Follow your owner’s manual, or ask your mechanic as to what type of oil is best and what the appropriate mileage interval should be for your vehicle.
Wondering how many miles can you go over on an oil change service? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair and ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
The 3,000-mile oil change is a thing of the past. With the advances in automotive technology and synthetic oils, cars can now be driven more miles between oil changes than this outdated rule of thumb would have you think. Which leads to this question: “How many miles can you go over on an oil change service?"
The first step to take is to find out what your car actually needs. You’ll save time and money on too-frequent oil changes or the wrong kind of oil change. There are two ways to know when it’s time for an oil change:
- Read your owner’s manual. The scheduled maintenance section will tell you how many miles or how much time you can allow between oil changes. Most manufacturers also recommend changing the oil filter when you change the oil. Most maintenance schedules will give oil change schedules for severe and normal driving. If your driving habit fits the description of severe, such as driving at low speeds, extensive idling or towing a trailer, you’ll need more frequent oil changes.
- Service light on your dash. Some cars have a light that says “change oil soon” while others have an icon of a wrench or some other symbol. Generally, when the light comes on, it’s time to schedule an oil change.
Many of today’s new cars come equipped with an “oil life monitoring system” that calculates when you need an oil change. This is a computer that records information about how you drive, such as how long you drive and the engine’s operating conditions—then it calculates when an oil change is needed. Your owner’s manual will state whether your car has an oil life monitoring system.
The most important thing to remember is that keeping up with oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level.
Follow your owner’s manual, or ask your mechanic as to what type of oil is best and what the appropriate mileage interval should be for your vehicle.
Wondering how many miles can you go over on an oil change service? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair and ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
