How Often Should You Change Engine Oil

How Often Should You Change Engine Oil

The process of changing your car’s oil may vary widely depending on the age of your car and its unique specifications. Because of this, it’s always a great idea to bring your vehicle in for car oil change services right off the bat when you first get it. This way you can find out the specific needs of your car when it comes to oil changes and have a reference for future car servicing as well. Check out these tips below for what to look for when it comes time for your car to get its oil changed.

What to Know About Oil Changes

On the whole, most late model cars require some sort of synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade oil blend to minimize friction and enhance the fuel economy of the vehicle. Choosing the right oil for your car can be tricky however as you will need to consider the correct SAE viscosity grade, ensure it follows the correct performance standards, and complies with the individual specification of your vehicle. These unique specifications can be found either through the owner’s manual of your vehicle or through a licensed vehicle repair service. 

The interval at which your vehicle might require an oil change can widely vary depending on the specific type of oil, the age of your vehicle, and your regular driving conditions. With modern vehicles, the standard rate of an oil change is normally somewhere between 5,000 to 7,500 miles. 

Changing the Oil in Your Older Car

For older vehicles, it’s generally recommended to follow an oil change schedule based on mileage. This is normally somewhere between 3,000 to 5,000 miles, however, it’s important to check in with a qualified specialist to pinpoint a more specific oil change schedule. For vehicles operated under specific service conditions, including those carrying heavy loads, sustained stop-and-go driving, or extreme hot, cold, or dust, the oil change schedule should be much more frequent. 

Changing the Oil in Your Newer Car

Excitingly enough, many newer car models come equipped with systems specifically geared towards oil tracking that can automatically detect when a car requires an oil change. When you’re getting regular service on your vehicle, make sure the technician also checks and resets the oil-life monitoring systems in your vehicle, and if you change your own oil reset the system as well. 

If you’re looking for expert vehicle maintenance services for support with your car’s oil change, get in touch with us today at Fred’s Auto Repair. Our staff will work with you to ensure your vehicle is in the best shape possible and that you leave our shop feeling safe and comfortable. Get in touch to book your appointment today in either of our convenient locations in Briarcliff Manor or Shrub Oak!