Proper Oil Change Intervals

Most car owners are not sure when what is the proper time to change the oil in their car. If you were to read all the information available online on the topic, you will find distinct schools of thought; experts who believe that the oil in a vehicle should be changed every 3000 miles. On the other hand, there are some other people who believe that most engine oils today are made with fluids of different densities and have detergent in them which allow them to be effective for longer mileage periods. As a matter of fact, most automobile manufacturers also recommend that engine oil should be changed every 5000 miles or one year, whichever comes first unless you use synthetic oil.

However, you need to understand that the manufacturer recommendation only applies when the vehicle is operated under optimal conditions; however the majority of drivers operate their vehicle under conditions which are considered severe for your engine oil such as: frequent short trips (less than 10 miles, especially during cold weather); stop-and-go city traffic driving; driving in dusty conditions (gravel roads, etc.); or driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather. This means that the 5000 mile oil change will only do if you drive your vehicle in optimal conditions. Because most people drive under more sever conditions they need to be more diligent about your oil changes.

In a survey of over 300 ASE certified master techs over 60 per cent said the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles, the long recommended standard. Only 29 percent said between 3,000-5,000 miles is okay. Less than two percent said oil change intervals of 5,000 to 10,000 miles are acceptable. These and other experts recommend that for regular usage which includes city driving you should go for a car oil change every 3000 to 5000 miles or every four months. This holds true for almost every make and model of car.

There are many more factors that will have a bearing on the amount of miles or time between oil changes, for instance, one of the reasons why auto manufacturers can afford to tout longer intervals between oil changes is because they are dealing with a brand new engine with little or no few miles on them. However, as you put more miles on your engine; it becomes imperative to ensure that the oil in the car is keeping the engine clean and cool. If the oil is not changed at lower intervals in older cars, it can result in more engine wear and tear and issues such as lower fuel efficiency, a decrease in performance, increased oil usage and more pollutants being sent into the atmosphere.

When sending your car for an oil change, you also need to consider changing the filter. Not changing the filter every time you change your oil may reduce your short term maintenance cost,. but long term it may take its toll on your pocket book by causing severe engine problems. Most mechanics are of the opinion that the filter should be changed every time you change your oil. The filters in newer cars are considerably smaller than the quart sized versions used in older models. The pint sized filters of today need to be changed every 3000 miles because they will lose efficiency long before the 6000 mile mark is reached.

Regular oil changes for preventative maintenance are cheap insurance against engine wear, and will always save you money in the long run. If you are the type of person who keeps a car for more than three or four years it is your best investment. It’s very uncommon to see an engine that has been well maintained with regular oil changes develop major bearing, ring, cam or valve problems under 100,000 miles.

So, the next time, you see your mileage meter hitting between 3000 and 5000 miles since your last oil and filter change, take your car to the nearest certified mechanic for a quick and hassle free oil change and oil filter replacement..

Steve Summers is an expert on the repair of Japanese cars. He has been servicing Japanese cars for over 3 decades and is the owner of Automotive Instincts an ASE & AAA Certified auto repair shop in Northridge, California. They specialize on Acura, Honda, Toyota & Lexus as well as other Japanese makes. To get answers to your problems on car repair visit his Ask Experts page.