When do I need to get an oil change?
For traditional motor oil, you should get an oil change every 3000 miles or every six months. Traditional motor oil is safe for your vehicle but can contain mineral deposits and impurities in the oil that need to be removed from the vehicle. This is why traditional motor oil needs to be regularly changed. If you’re looking to extend the life of your oil you’ll want to consider synthetic oil as an option. Check your owner’s manual will have a manufacturer’s suggested oil change schedule.
Can your car drive longer with a synthetic oil change?
Yes, synthetic oil changes can last 5000-10000 miles. This depends on the type of synthetic you use. There are semi-synthetics and full synthetics.
Semi-Synthetic motor oil combines traditional oil with synthetic oil to increase the life of the oil and lubrication. They operate well for fleets with heavy loads and long highway miles. This is a good option for companies running service vans that want to replace the oil every 8000 miles.
Synthetic motor oil is fully synthetic and has the highest life. This has the longest life and is ideal for newer vehicles such as hybrids. It offers the lubrication needed by new models without the deposits left in oil by impurities found in traditional motor oil. This one can get you closer to that 10,000-mile end of the oil change spectrum. Of course, ask your Truman’s mechanic before driving long intervals.
Each vehicle is different, but we still recommend frequent oil changes around the 6000-mile mark even with synthetic motor oils. That allows our mechanic to get under the hood and make sure your filter is clean and your vehicle doesn’t have any problems we need to prevent. Ask your trusted mechanic what he recommends to extend the life of your engine.
Why are oil changes necessary?
Oil changes are essential for the life of your vehicle. They involve removing old oil, changing the filter, and then adding new clean oil. Regular car oil changes and oil filter changes prevent engine sounds and can improve the gas mileage of your vehicle. When you’re servicing your vehicle 2 or more times a year it can seem costly.
Remember that this is a preventative expense. Ignoring routine maintenance like oil changes or coolant changes can result in expensive damages. From overheating to full engine replacements, make sure your car is maintained with regular oil changes. If you’re unable to do frequent oil changes try synthetic oil.
Hybrid vehicles with auto start and stop technology require more lubrication and oil maintenance. The type of vehicle is just as important in determining how frequently you should change your oil.
Tips on when to change your oil:
3000-5000 miles:
- Traditional Motor Oil
- highway miles,
- Driving on dusty roads,
- cars over 100,000 miles
5000-8000 miles:
- Semi-Synthetic motor oil
- Newer cars,
- Cars under 100,000 miles
8000-10000 miles:
- Synthetic motor oil
- Newer cars,
- Cars under 100,000 miles
More about repairs +
Oil Changes Near Me:
Where are you located?
Truman’s Automotive ADAS & Calibrations is located in Des Moines Iowa. 4431 E 50th St #400, Des Moines, IA 50317. Our experts serve the greater Des Moines area and Iowa.
I’m farther away, why should I go to Truman’s?
We might be out of the way but our customers travel to get the latest technology for updating their vehicle sensors. Beyond that we’re a trusted mechanic, we won’t let you leave the shop unless we know your vehicle is safe. We have customers who travel to get expert service on their ADAS sensors.
Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check to see if your vehicle has an oil monitoring system.
https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/maintenance-guide/