3,000 Miles: Fact or Fiction?

"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.

How Do You Drive?

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.

Check Your Owner's Manual

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.