How Often Do You Need an Oil Change?

Be honest with yourself: have you ever been tempted to brush it off and keep driving when that oil light comes on? Another question: when was the last time you even checked your oil? We’ve all been there. Enough is going on during the day, and no one wants to add vehicle maintenance to the pressing matters we already have to think about. But the fact remains that failing to change your oil at the proper time can be detrimental to your car.

So how often do you need to change your oil? Read on for the answer.

Why Do You Need to Change Your Oil?

Before we discuss how frequently you should change your oil, you should understand why changing your oil is important. Inconvenient as they may be, regular oil changes are a crucial part of car maintenance.

Oil is subject to thermal breakdown, meaning that it breaks down over time with high engine temperatures. This reduces your oil’s capability to lubricate your engine’s parts properly. As a result, those parts will rub against each other and cause premature wear on your engine.

Additionally, your oil can solidify over time into sludge that can’t properly flow through the engine. This results in your engine’s parts receiving little to no lubrication, which can cause serious damage to your engine.

Fresh oil helps to maintain the life of your car, and it also improves your gas mileage since the engine doesn’t have to work as hard. This is why oil changes are a crucial part of car care. You do not want to skip over an oil change.

How Often Do You Need An Oil Change?

The general rule is to change your oil every 3000 to 5000 miles. Exactly where in that range your car needs that care depends on your car’s make and model. You’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to determine exactly when you need to change your oil.

Another general rule to follow is to change your oil every three months. While it’s tempting to resist that rule and go solely by the mileage, this can become problematic. The longer the oil sits, the more it breaks down, resulting in less efficient lubrication.

For this reason, you should check your oil regularly. Make sure it’s got a nice amber color, and make sure it isn’t too low. Keeping track of this will help ensure sufficient vehicle care.

Most cars come equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard to let you know when the car needs an oil change. While it’s not the only guide you should follow, it is useful.

Get an Oil Change From Sudden Impact Auto

You now have an answer to the question, “How often do you need an oil change?” And whenever you’re car’s ready for it, Sudden Impact in Las Vegas is here to help. You also need to make sure what type of oil you put in your car. Here is a good guide on synthetic motor oil vs regular motor oil that will be handy to go over.

Auto Body Repair Specialists in Clark County

Our auto repair shop specializes in collision repair, but we are also happy to provide general car maintenance needs, including oil changes. Contact us today for any of your vehicle maintenance needs.