How Many Miles Until You Need an Oil Change?
This is the most controversial question going around in the automotive industry today. Some mechanics still go by the 3,000-mile interval, while others may say that you can go as far as 10,000 miles. Whatever the answer, all mechanics will agree that keeping up with regular oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level. The repair for engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes, especially if you use your shop’s oil change coupons.
5 Facts to Consider About Oil Changes:
- Purpose. The engine needs to be lubricated constantly so that the metal components aren’t grinding against each other, creating excessive heat. Changing the oil carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can clog up the engine parts.
- Mileage interval. This will vary depending on the age of your vehicle, the type of oil used, and driving conditions. With today’s upgraded oils, the interval for many engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or some oil (particularly full synthetic) is good for 15,000 miles.
- Warning light. Most dash warning lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after each oil change. However, don’t rely on this light as the oil level may already be too low before it comes on.
- Temperature. Some oil is designed to be less viscous (thinner) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot. For example, for 10-30W oil, the "10" refers to the viscosity when the engine is cold and the "30" refers to the viscosity when the engine is hot.
- Type of Oil. There are three general types of oil--conventional, premium, and synthetic. Most mainstream engines use conventional oils. Premium oils have extra additives useful for special driving needs, and blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are often used for trucks and SUVs.
So how many miles until you need an oil change? 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 particular vehicle.
Wondering how many miles until you need an oil change? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to 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.
This is the most controversial question going around in the automotive industry today. Some mechanics still go by the 3,000-mile interval, while others may say that you can go as far as 10,000 miles. Whatever the answer, all mechanics will agree that keeping up with regular oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level. The repair for engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes, especially if you use your shop’s oil change coupons.
5 Facts to Consider About Oil Changes:
- Purpose. The engine needs to be lubricated constantly so that the metal components aren’t grinding against each other, creating excessive heat. Changing the oil carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can clog up the engine parts.
- Mileage interval. This will vary depending on the age of your vehicle, the type of oil used, and driving conditions. With today’s upgraded oils, the interval for many engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or some oil (particularly full synthetic) is good for 15,000 miles.
- Warning light. Most dash warning lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after each oil change. However, don’t rely on this light as the oil level may already be too low before it comes on.
- Temperature. Some oil is designed to be less viscous (thinner) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot. For example, for 10-30W oil, the "10" refers to the viscosity when the engine is cold and the "30" refers to the viscosity when the engine is hot.
- Type of Oil. There are three general types of oil--conventional, premium, and synthetic. Most mainstream engines use conventional oils. Premium oils have extra additives useful for special driving needs, and blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are often used for trucks and SUVs.
So how many miles until you need an oil change? 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 particular vehicle.
Wondering how many miles until you need an oil change? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to 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.
