When Do You Need To Change Your Oil?
Oil changes are a necessary part of your vehicle's routine maintenance. But when are you supposed to change your oil? And how often are you supposed to change it? Well, for years it was recommended by mechanics and oil change service centers that you change your oil every 3,000 miles. This was pretty much a standard recommendation starting as far back as the 1970's, when the most common oil used in automobiles was 10W40, which tends to wear out within 3,000 miles.
However, with the advancements in oil formulation, as well as technology, most cars can now go longer in between oil changes. Nowadays, it's becoming more common to hear that a recommendation of a 5,000-mile interval between oil changes is acceptable. Also, most of the newer automobiles specifically require synthetic oil, which provides better lubrication and helps keep the engine clean. This allows vehicles to go longer between oil changes. Some synthetic oils allow you to drive 15,000 miles between oil changes. Most of the newer vehicles also come equipped with an oil life indicator, which lets you know when to change your oil, taking any guessing out of the equation.
However, with the advancements in oil formulation, as well as technology, most cars can now go longer in between oil changes. Nowadays, it's becoming more common to hear that a recommendation of a 5,000-mile interval between oil changes is acceptable. Also, most of the newer automobiles specifically require synthetic oil, which provides better lubrication and helps keep the engine clean. This allows vehicles to go longer between oil changes. Some synthetic oils allow you to drive 15,000 miles between oil changes. Most of the newer vehicles also come equipped with an oil life indicator, which lets you know when to change your oil, taking any guessing out of the equation.
Should You Change Your Oil If It's Black?
Maybe, maybe not. Just because you check your dipstick and see that the oil is black doesn't necessarily mean you should change it. It may still have plenty of life left in it. In fact,some experts, like Kristen Huff, vice president of Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana, say that the oil is meant to get dark - it means it is doing it's job.
New oil is amber colored but as the oil darkens it can indicate that it has been exposed to high heat and/or contaminants. However, the presence of additives that are in the oil can cause the oil to darken during normal use. So, the black oil thing is mostly just a myth. Perform routine oil changes and keep a record of your oil change intervals and you should be just fine as far as the oil color goes.
Consider Changing Your Oil More Frequently If Driving In Severe Conditions
If you drive in what is considered severe conditions, you might want to change your oil more frequently than recommended. Those conditions include the following:
Driving in any of the conditions above can put a strain on your engine causing the engine to consume more oil and also cause the chemicals/additives in the oil to break down faster which impedes the oil's main goal - properly lubricating the engine parts.
Regardless of what oil change service centers or mechanics tell you, always check you car owner's manual to see when the manufacturer recommended oil change interval should be.
If you don't have an owner's manual for your car, you can find a repair/maintenance guide made specifically for your vehicle here. They have a HUGE selection
- Using your vehicle to haul heavy materials
- Using your vehicle to pull a trailer
- Driving several short trips of five miles or less
- Engine idling for an extensive time
- Sitting in stop and go traffic
- Extremely cool temperatures, 10 degrees or less
- Extremely hot temperatures, 90 degrees or more
- Extremely humid temperatures
Driving in any of the conditions above can put a strain on your engine causing the engine to consume more oil and also cause the chemicals/additives in the oil to break down faster which impedes the oil's main goal - properly lubricating the engine parts.
Regardless of what oil change service centers or mechanics tell you, always check you car owner's manual to see when the manufacturer recommended oil change interval should be.
If you don't have an owner's manual for your car, you can find a repair/maintenance guide made specifically for your vehicle here. They have a HUGE selection