How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Every internal combustion engine requires regular oil changes to keep it in perfect condition. If gasoline or diesel is the food and energy for your vehicle, motor oil is the blood that keeps the pistons pumping. Fresh oil is vital to your vehicle’s health and longevity! Automakers have made several improvements in engine technology and fully synthetic motor oils over the past decade. Modern engineering helps Lake City drivers go much longer between oil changes than before. You no longer have oil changes every three months and 3,000 miles when you buy a new vehicle or a later model vehicle.

Most new vehicles for sale, like many on our lot, have an oil change frequency between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. These are just averages. You should always check your owner’s manual or oil life monitoring system (OLMS) for specifics because the manufacturer may have different requirements for your vehicle.

Read on to learn more about your vehicle’s oil change frequency. If you have more questions after reading our guide, contact our service team at Wes Haney Chevrolet, Inc..

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Some vehicles have a higher oil change frequency than others. However, the general rule of thumb is to get an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Your onboard OLMS will tell you when it’s time to change the oil. The vehicle’s computer will monitor driving conditions around Madison or Jasper to determine the oil change frequency. You should never go more than one year without getting an oil change, no matter how much or how little you drive.

Older vehicles may need more frequent oil changes, like every 3,000 to 5,000 miles because they aren’t made with newer engine parts or engineering standards. You should still consider synthetic oil for an oil change to make the pistons last longer. Synthetic oil, while more expensive in terms of the upfront costs, is better for your engine because petroleum companies can custom-make synthetic oil to go with the engine of the car, truck, or SUV you drive.

Be aware of what conditions you drive your vehicle in. Less-than-ideal conditions can take a greater toll on your engine. Because of these conditions, you may need more frequent oil changes.

If you engage in these activities with your vehicle, keep an eye on your oil for signs you need to bring it in for service more often:

• Off-roading
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

Oil Change Frequency Information

Want more oil change tips? Keep reading! If you still have questions about auto care, oil changes, and vehicle maintenance, contact our service center or give us a call at (386) 362-2976. We want you to get the most out of your vehicle!

• Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center to see if your car, truck, or SUV needs synthetic or conventional oil. Synthetic oil costs more per oil change but lasts longer. You’ll have less frequent oil changes with synthetic oil, and it helps your vehicle’s engine stay in top condition for many years to come. Most new vehicles require synthetic oil. You will actually save money over the course of vehicle ownership when you go for a synthetic oil change.
• Oil eventually breaks down, even when the car isn’t driven very much. If you don’t drive often, you should still change your oil at least once per year to keep the oil fresh so your pistons move easily.
• Make sure you change your oil filter when you change the oil. Our parts center can find the right oil filter for your specific make and model. Better yet, bring your vehicle into our service center for an oil change! We’ll fill your vehicle with new oil and get you back on the road in a jiffy!

How Often Should You Check Your Oil Level?

Check your oil level at least once a month. It’s quite simple to do. Just lift the hood of your car, prop it open, and look for the yellow or orange handle for the dipstick. Clean, fresh oil looks translucent and amber in color, and you can easily see the markings on the dipstick. Over time, your oil will change to an opaque, dark brown hue. It will also get thinner and more easily drip off of your dipstick compared to new oil.

If you see that you’re low on oil or need auto service, schedule service with us at Wes Haney Chevrolet, Inc.. We can keep your car, truck, or SUV running in top condition for years to come. You’ll see a better return on your initial investment when you keep up with regular oil changes.

Get an Oil Change in Live Oak

Now that you know how often you should change your oil, bring your vehicle in for an oil change in Live Oak! Our expert service team can help you take care of your vehicle in plenty of ways, from tires and brakes to batteries and radiators, and everything in between! Look over our service specials to see how much money you could save on regular car maintenance. You’ll save even more money on high repair costs when you keep your vehicle running smoothly!

Service Specials at Wes Haney Chevrolet, Inc.

We are currently updating our Specials. Please check back soon.