How Often Does My Car Need an Oil Change?
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Most vehicles require an oil change every 3000 miles. This is usually a relatively painless and inexpensive procedure. There are numerous “quick” oil change stations that specialize in the no-appointment, fast-food like oil change. Even on a busy day, getting an oil change may only take half an hour. The cost is normally fairly low, about 30-50 US dollars (USD) depending upon the type of vehicle one drives. Vans, SUVs and large trucks, tend to be more expensive because there is more oil to replace.
Some newer vehicles have manufacturer recommendations that suggest one get an oil change every 5000 miles. Others state one should get an oil change every 3000 miles or every three months. Not all agree that a car really needs an oil change per the manufacturer’s instructions. In fact, some have stated that the “every 3000 miles” is a deliberate scam to make more money.
In fact, in countries like the U.K. there are few oil change quick stops, and some claim they have never changed the oil in their car. Yet their cars continue to run without significant problems. However, most who observe oil change recommendations in the US note their car tends to run with greater efficiency after a change. So the “scam” concept is rather dubious.
Further, many companies now offer leases or loans on new automobiles with service agreements. These allow one to change the oil, and have routine check-ups and tune-ups done for free. Additionally, a leased car agreement may specify that one must abide by normal servicing requirements. One may have to prove one has serviced the car and had an oil change every 3000 miles to avoid paying additional fees.
The best bet when considering the frequency rate of the oil change is to consult the manufacturing recommendations in your car’s manual. If you have purchased an older vehicle without a manual, you can either order a manual from the manufacturer, or check online to read recommendations. Many believe that observing the oil change rule extends the life of one’s car.
Further, many mechanics also run a quick diagnostic check on the car during an oil change and may alert the owner to potential problems. It is generally far better to be aware of a problem that needs repair than to be surprised by the car suddenly not working properly, or not working at all. Awareness of a potential problem can also help one schedule repairs in a timely fashion.
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8
My new car also does the continuous test. Over the last 1000 miles the "oil life" indicator only dropped from 71 percent down to 65 percent. Probably about 30-40 percent I will switch it out to amsoil with the better filter as well. I think 3000 miles is hyped to make more money. - anon48712
7
does an eletric car need the oil changed the same as gasoline engine car? - anon41050
6
i had my engine rebuilt, do i really need to change my oil after 500 miles? - anon39298
5
Now they have the synthetic oil that says 5000 - 10000 miles - anon35625
4
If your car is not driven often, maybe once a week. Does it do damage to your oil by sitting undriven. Is this reason to change it more or less often? - trish
3
If I had to change oil every 3000 miles I would have to do it every month or so. as I drive mostly highway, I change it every 10,000 kilometers (8000 miles) or thereabouts. - anon22918
2
i think that the "3000 mile" suggestion made sense many years ago, but with most recent cars, 5000 miles is probably plenty.
many new cars have a technology where the car actually tells the driver when to change the oil. some of these devices are just connected to the odometer and indicate when a certain number of miles have been driven. but, some of these actually test the oil, and indicate when you really need to change the oil. ini some cases, this can be as much as 12,000 miles!
also, i have read about a company that is developing a oil-purifying technology that will push the oli-change interval to 30,000 (thirty thousand) miles! if their product ever comes to fruition, imagine the impact this would have on the oil-change industry. - nobreather
1
I have the oil changed in my car every three months or 3000 miles. It might be too often, and possibly not necessary, but it gives me a sense of comfort in knowing that all the fluids are checked and replaced or added if needed. It might be more for my peace of mind than anything else. - somerset
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Written by
Tricia Ellis-Christensen
Last Modified: 14 October 2009
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