When to Get an Oil Change – Colorado Blvd
Knowing when to get your oil changed is important because a car running on dirty oil is prone to long-term engine damage. In the past, it was normal to change your oil every 3000 miles but now car owners can go longer between oil changes, thanks to better engine and lubricant technologies. Read on to know when you should get your next oil change.
When to Get an Oil Change
The ideal frequency of engine oil changes may depend on a number of factors. These include the type of operation, whether you have an older car or a newer model, whether you live in extremely hot or cold climates, among others. Type of usage refers to how often you use your car. Some people use their cars for normal operation such as driving to and from work on a daily basis. Others may use their cars a few days during the week only for running errands.
For normal to moderately heavy usage, especially with older cars experts recommend changing oil every 3000 miles. More frequent oil changes may be ideal for cars regularly used for long-haul trips or for heavy towing or carrying heavy loads. However, for newer models where you know you are using a newer engine technology paired with modern lubricants, refer to the lubricant manual. Experts may recommend changing your engine oil every 7500 to 10000 miles, especially for cars that are not regularly used during the week. If you are operating in dusty, hot, or road-salted environments on a regular basis it is still a good idea to go for shorter intervals between engine oil changes. Exposure to dust and other contaminants can wear out the filter and contaminate your engine oil faster and this could lead to accelerated engine wear. In these conditions, opt for shorter intervals even if you are using modern synthetic lubricants on a new car model.
Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change
Keeping an eye out for the signs you need an oil change can help you remember your next oil change date. These signs include: –excess exhaust –falling oil levels –increased engine noise — check engine light on –more vibration when idling Your car’s built-in monitor is a useful tool in knowing when you should change the engine oil. Newer models come with a built-in oil monitor calibrated for the oil type as recommended by the car manufacturer. These monitors gather data used to calculate the oil’s condition and will recommend when an oil change is needed. Proper car maintenance involves making sure your engine is always protected from wear. Stick to a regular engine oil change schedule, use built-in tools in your car and know what signs tell you to change your engine oil. All these can help you keep your car in tip-top shape.
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