Today’s modern vehicles require motor oil that meets specific automaker specifications to ensure a long service life. Failure to use the right type of oil and record each oil change service could void the warranty on your new car. However, choosing the right motor oil is not always easy. The proper oil for your make and model of vehicle must have the correct SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity grade, meet performance standards set by the API (American Petroleum Institute), and comply with any unique specifications established by the vehicle manufacturer.
3 things that affect the oil change interval for your vehicle:
- Age of vehicle
- Type of oil used
- Driving conditions
A standard oil change used to be every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade, resource-conserving oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. If your car's engine uses full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
How many miles should you get an Oil Change for Older Cars?
Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules; "normal" and "severe.” Severe driving conditions would be defined as frequent short trips (5 miles or less), extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates, sustained stop-and-go driving, and/or carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.
If your vehicle use falls under the severe service definition in your owner's manual, maintain your car using the more rigorous schedule. However, if you drive your car under normal conditions, be wary of spending hard-earned money on services your car may not need or benefit from.
How many miles should you get an Oil Change for Newer Cars?
Most newer cars are equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that automatically determine when an oil change is needed and notify you with an alert on the instrument panel. Earlier systems were based on time and mileage, but with today’s advanced technology, the actual operating conditions of the vehicle are analyzed to identify when the oil starts to degrade. In fact, the owner's manual for many newer cars eliminates "severe” recommendations altogether because the monitoring system can detect heavy-duty operation and automatically shorten the oil change interval.
Less frequent oil changes on newer engines make it essential that you check the oil level and top it up as needed on a monthly basis. If you do not put many miles on your car, most automakers recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder has not come on.
Tip to Remember: Because you cannot judge motor oil condition by color, be sure to follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes.
Wondering how many miles should you get an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to ask for our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Today’s modern vehicles require motor oil that meets specific automaker specifications to ensure a long service life. Failure to use the right type of oil and record each oil change service could void the warranty on your new car. However, choosing the right motor oil is not always easy. The proper oil for your make and model of vehicle must have the correct SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity grade, meet performance standards set by the API (American Petroleum Institute), and comply with any unique specifications established by the vehicle manufacturer.
3 things that affect the oil change interval for your vehicle:
- Age of vehicle
- Type of oil used
- Driving conditions
A standard oil change used to be every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade, resource-conserving oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. If your car's engine uses full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
How many miles should you get an Oil Change for Older Cars?
Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules; "normal" and "severe.” Severe driving conditions would be defined as frequent short trips (5 miles or less), extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates, sustained stop-and-go driving, and/or carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.
If your vehicle use falls under the severe service definition in your owner's manual, maintain your car using the more rigorous schedule. However, if you drive your car under normal conditions, be wary of spending hard-earned money on services your car may not need or benefit from.
How many miles should you get an Oil Change for Newer Cars?
Most newer cars are equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that automatically determine when an oil change is needed and notify you with an alert on the instrument panel. Earlier systems were based on time and mileage, but with today’s advanced technology, the actual operating conditions of the vehicle are analyzed to identify when the oil starts to degrade. In fact, the owner's manual for many newer cars eliminates "severe” recommendations altogether because the monitoring system can detect heavy-duty operation and automatically shorten the oil change interval.
Less frequent oil changes on newer engines make it essential that you check the oil level and top it up as needed on a monthly basis. If you do not put many miles on your car, most automakers recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder has not come on.
Tip to Remember: Because you cannot judge motor oil condition by color, be sure to follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes.
Wondering how many miles should you get an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to ask for our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
