Q: How often should I change my oil?

A: Every manufacturer has a set interval for each car and truck they sell, but the way you use your car will adjust the oil change mileage interval. If you have your owner’s manual, you can look in the back for the mileage maintenance chart. Many manufacturers use 5,000 miles as a base line for a standard motor oil.

Synthetic oil’s can extend your oil change interval and they handle high heat stress better.

The most important thing is to change your oil. Using full synthetic just to do less oil changes will cause more wear to your engine.

If you do lot’s of short trip driving, 95% city 5% highway. You can cut your cars listed mileage schedule by 40%. City driving and prolonged idling in traffic will cause the oil to break down and will become dirty faster. (5,000 miles – 40% = 3,000 miles)

If you drive 75% city and 25% highway cut your listed interval by 20% (5,000 miles – 20% = 4,000 miles) Many of my clients use this interval.

If you drive 50% city and 50% highway, make no interval change. Follow the service interval in your owners hand book.

The mileage interval set by most car makers is for a normal mix of city and highway driving. If you drive mostly highway miles, 80% or more, you can extend your mileage by 20% (5,000 miles + 20% = 6,000 miles)

Let’s look at, time in service.

Clients that do not drive more than 5,000 miles a year and low mileage city use, you will use time in service as a judge. For most clients changing the oil every 4 months is best. I do not recommend waiting past 6 months. I like to have clients come in for a full inspection at least twice a year. Many things can change over the year and regular inspections can prevent a major break down.