How do Driving Conditions affect Oil Changes?
If you are an experienced vehicle owner, you may already be aware of the various factors that affect the recommended interval between oil changes. However, if you are inexperienced, you may be confused with varying recommendations as to how often an oil change service is needed for your vehicle. Which recommendation is right?
You can make an informed decision about oil changes by first understanding the factors that affect the cleanliness of your oil. A survey conducted by AAA found that more than 50% of all motorists follow the wrong oil change schedule because they assume they typically drive in "normal" conditions.
Which category are you in? "Normal" or "Severe?"
A reliable source for the answer is your owner's manual. It may show two sets of maintenance schedules; one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving.
- Normal Driving --
Your manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This schedule is based on ideal driving conditions–short distances, at the posted speed limit, flat land, no heavy loads, etc. However, the average driver doesn't usually drive in ideal conditions, in fact, probably hardly ever.
- Severe Driving --
If you are the average driver, you may frequently make short trips, drive in hot weather, get caught in stop-and-go traffic, transport passengers, or carry heavy items on a roof-top carrier. If this is the case, you should consider using the "severe" maintenance schedule for oil changes. This means more frequent oil changes, including a filter change, at about every 3,000 miles. Many auto shops now offer oil change coupons to make these frequent services more affordable for their customers.
Be smart! Err on the side of caution and follow a regular oil change schedule of about every 3,000 miles, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of your vehicle, no matter what the driving conditions may be.
Looking for affordable and quality oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
If you are an experienced vehicle owner, you may already be aware of the various factors that affect the recommended interval between oil changes. However, if you are inexperienced, you may be confused with varying recommendations as to how often an oil change service is needed for your vehicle. Which recommendation is right?
You can make an informed decision about oil changes by first understanding the factors that affect the cleanliness of your oil. A survey conducted by AAA found that more than 50% of all motorists follow the wrong oil change schedule because they assume they typically drive in "normal" conditions.
Which category are you in? "Normal" or "Severe?"
A reliable source for the answer is your owner's manual. It may show two sets of maintenance schedules; one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving.
- Normal Driving --
Your manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This schedule is based on ideal driving conditions–short distances, at the posted speed limit, flat land, no heavy loads, etc. However, the average driver doesn't usually drive in ideal conditions, in fact, probably hardly ever.
- Severe Driving --
If you are the average driver, you may frequently make short trips, drive in hot weather, get caught in stop-and-go traffic, transport passengers, or carry heavy items on a roof-top carrier. If this is the case, you should consider using the "severe" maintenance schedule for oil changes. This means more frequent oil changes, including a filter change, at about every 3,000 miles. Many auto shops now offer oil change coupons to make these frequent services more affordable for their customers.
Be smart! Err on the side of caution and follow a regular oil change schedule of about every 3,000 miles, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of your vehicle, no matter what the driving conditions may be.
Looking for affordable and quality oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
