Most drivers believe that you should change your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles. This isn't really a set rule anymore. There are a lot of different factors that go into the schedule that you set regarding routine maintenance and oil changes. Engine oil gets dirty which can lead to damage to your engine. Changing your oil is incredibly important, but if you have a brand new vehicle then you really don't need to be changing your oil too often.
The 3,000 mile rule was true back in the 1970's. The quality of oil on the market was different. Today's products contain higher quality lubricants and longer running times. Your owner's manual will give you an accurate picture of how frequently to change your oil. You should consult it for a proper maintenance schedule.
How You Drive Affects Oil Longevity
There are exceptions to your rules regarding when you should change your oil. You can't always base your schedule on mileage or time. If your vehicle has been driving in some excessive heat or dusty conditions, then you should decrease the time you are waiting between changes. You can also take your driving patterns into consideration. If you are often stuck in traffic and your vehicle is idling a lot, you will benefit from more frequent oil changes as well.
A newer vehicle can go longer in between oil changes. The type of oil filter that you use for your vehicle can also affect how often an oil change would be beneficial. If you are going to be embarking on a road trip and will miss your scheduled oil change, then you may want to get that changeover done before you leave. This will give you peace of mind while you are on the road. It will also be beneficial for your vehicle if you are going to be doing a lot of driving.
Benefits of Following a Routine Schedule
Check with the owner's manual of your vehicle to see what is recommended for your specific vehicle. Take into consideration how your vehicle is being used as well. Give your vehicle a chance to benefit from the oil that you are putting into it. Once that filter is broken in a bit, it will work like a charm when it comes to increasing the overall efficiency and reliability of your vehicle.
If you are wondering how often you really need to change your vehicle's oil, then your best bet is to stop down to Reliable Chevy. We'll give you a recommendation based on the type of vehicle that you drive, how old it is and what kind of driving conditions your vehicle is exposed to. You can follow that schedule moving forward. If you feel that your vehicle has seen a good deal of wear and tear over the course of a couple months, then you might want to think about a one-off oil change.
