May 12, 2017
Everyone has a different idea of how often your vehicle’s oil should be changed and what kind of oil is best for your vehicle. It doesn’t help that opinions and vehicle requirements keep changing with new technology over time. What once worked for your grandpa’s 1957 vehicle is vastly different from what works with the vehicles of today. So who’s right? Let’s answer some questions about getting an oil change once and for all.
It’s simple: Dirty oil is less effective than clean oil. The oil in your car is like the blood in your veins. If it’s not there or it’s dirty, your vehicle can’t function properly. Over time, the contaminants in the dirty oil actually begin to erode the metal in the engine, causing parts of the engine to malfunction. Dirt collects and rust reducers fail causing the oil to become useless. Changing the oil isn’t just a pesky chore–it’s a necessity if you want your vehicle to last. Changing your oil with regularity can prolong the life of your engine and save you a lot of money and headaches over time. The bottom line: Buying oil is cheaper than replacing an engine.
Knowing when to change your oil is tricky because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different cars and engines require different maintenance schedules. The old rule-of-thumb required that you change your oil between every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. This rule was black and white–about as basic as any rule of the road–and was drilled into drivers. Ask anyone who learned to drive a car before 1990 and they will probably say “3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever occurs first.”
But times have changed.
Philip Reed, a senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com says this advice no longer applies to vehicles bought in the year 2000 and beyond. The new rule–and perhaps the one that makes the most sense–is that you consult your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. Your car may respond differently to oil than other cars.
Additionally, your car may experience rougher driving conditions or more wear and tear than other vehicles. All of this is taken into consideration when deciding how often an oil change is necessary and when choosing the right type of oil for your vehicle.
Walk into any auto parts store and you’ll find several options when it comes to oil. There are oil types for high-tech engines, new cars, higher-mileage vehicles, heavy-duty/off-road SUVs and even options for different seasons (winter/summer). So how do you know which type works best for your vehicle and driving style? Some might even wonder, “Is it ok to change oil brands or types?”
Car manufacturing, engine science, and oil chemistry continue to evolve. Nothing in the automotive world stays the same for long. As our understanding of engines grows, so does the improvement of oil and gasoline, meaning the rules shift. Believe it or not, some vehicles can actually run up to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, over three times as long as people were encouraged to wait in recent decades. As cars improve, the rules for how often to change synthetic oil will probably change again.
Watch how to do a quick and easy oil change yourself from our certified automotive technician at Meineke.
Well, you’re not alone.
Many people rank changing their car’s oil right up there with getting a root canal or speaking in public. Thankfully, we at Meineke Car Care Centers are here to help. We believe that (oil) change is a good thing. Since opening our first location in 1972, we’ve created a network of over 900 locally-owned shops around the country that exist to help you with all your complete car care needs.