Even people who know hardly anything about cars know that they should get their oil changed, but does everyone know how often it should actually be changed? The debate has existed for some time as to how quickly oil needs to be replaced in vehicles. After the synthetic oil varieties hit the market, this debate has widened and the question still remains.
Check out these recommendations we've outlined for you below to make a better-informed decision about the date of your next oil change.
"Get your oil changed after 3,000 miles" was once the mantra of mechanics and car owners everywhere. Today, however, things have changed. While 3,000 miles was a good guideline for older cars, mechanics are mostly in consensus today that the number has increased for most models manufactured in the year 2008 or later. The reason for this is that both engine and oil technology have since improved. The new recommended mileage is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,500, although older models should stick to a lower threshold, like 5,000. Six months is a good general time frame, so that you can also have your car inspected for other services it may need.
Experts also say that the type of driving you do and the climate you live in can also affect how often you should get your oil changed. A city-dweller may need to have their oil changed more often because the frequent starting and stopping and short driving distance works the engine hard without giving the oil a chance warm up enough to work at full capacity. Colder climates also lead to poor oil-functionality for the same reason.
At the end of the day, the best idea is to trust your manufacturer's judgment. Nobody knows your car better than the ones who designed and built it. Check your owner's manual to figure out when your particular model should have its oil changed, along with other routine services.
These are simply general guidelines about scheduling your oil change service. As always, consult a mechanic who specializes in your vehicle's manufacturer. No two cars are alike, so an expert opinion is always the best option.
If you’d like to learn more about oil changes and your vehicle's service schedule, contact us now, or stop by our dealership at 4190 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown TN, 37814. We're proud to serve our customers from Morristown, TN and the greater Knoxville, TN area.
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