When Should You Change the Oil in Your Vehicle?
While it’s important to never overlook vehicle maintenance, one of the most important measures to keep tab of is your vehicle’s oil. Scheduling a regular oil change can prevent you from a lot of problems down the road, so timely visits are vital to keeping your vehicle running properly. When should you change the oil in your vehicle? Find out below!
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Why Do I Need an Oil Change?
It’s not a bad idea to first understand the purpose of oil changes before getting one. Your vehicle has many components that work to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. These parts are constantly moving and rubbing up against each other which causes excess heat and friction, which means they need to be lubricated. Oil helps do this and pull away some of the heat. Over time, though, the oil begins losing its viscosity which makes it weaker and dirtier. Replacing the oil helps ensure it can continue to serve its rightful purpose and thus preserve the life of the engine.
When to Change Vehicle Oil
The frequency of your oil changes depends on what kind of vehicle you drive, driving habits and the conditions you drive in. For example, if you drive an older vehicle, you drive aggressively (quick starts and stops), put on most miles in the city or you drive in extreme hot or cold conditions, you’ll need more frequent oil changes, typically about every 5,000 miles. On the other hand, a more conservative driver with a newer vehicle who drives in average temperatures and puts on mostly highway miles could stretch out their oil changes a lot more, anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles on some engines.
While these factors play a big role in how frequently you need an oil change, it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for a more specific number. Feel free to contact us here at Hall Cars with any additional questions!
