How often should I change my Oil?

“How often should I Change my Oil?”

 Welcome to Mercie J Auto Care, Where Compassion and Craftsmanship Come Together. I'm Rick Smith, ASE Certified Master Technician.

Oil change intervals is a hot subject.  There are tons of opinions out there with tons of different answers. 

The first thing to consider is driving conditions.  Is it 105 degrees outside or minus 5?  Are the miles city driving or highway.  Is the vehicle towing heavy loads?

The factory recommended intervals can be a bit too long in my opinion.  There is a lot of influences on the factory.  First of all there are environmental credits for reducing the carbon footprint by not changing the oil as often.  Also economy and emission pressure has caused engine design changes such as low tension piston rings which can lead to oil consumption.  A manufacturer may suggest changing the oil at 10,000 mile intervals and also indicate using a quart of oil every 2,000 miles is acceptable.  At that rate the engine will run out of oil long before it’s due for a change.

One of the things oil does is hold contaminates in suspension until the next oil change.  I have noticed that the engines with more frequent oil changes develop less leaks than the ones with long intervals.  I believe this is because there are less particulates to wear the seals.

Some oil change reminders have an algorithm that is based on conditions and use.  Others are strictly by a mileage interval.

So what do I suggest?  I use synthetic oil in everything.  7,000 miles on the typical vehicle I think is appropriate.  In my shop we put 6,000 miles on the sticker because most folks have busy lives and will go over a bit but still get in by the 7,000 mile mark.