How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?

You should think of an oil change as a natural part of the lifecycle of your vehicle. Although modern engines are vastly improved over previous generations, there’s a traditional measure for your oil change. Every 3,000 miles you log, you should have your oil changed or checked.

Signs I Need an Oil Change

There are telltale signs that you’re in need of an oil change. We’ll mention a few here to give you an idea of what to look out for.

One of the easiest signs to spot is the oil change light appearing. It may seem simple, but your vehicle will tell you when it needs service. It might just need a refill of oil, but if things escalate, it’ll be your check engine light that comes on next.

Sometimes, you’ll hear louder than usual engine noise. That’s because oil keeps metal parts from scraping against each other. When you’re getting close to needing an oil change, your engine noise will get noticeably louder.

Another sign is the color of your oil. Amber is the color of clean oil and it should be semi-translucent. As you drive, your oil will collect particles from the engine. When you check your oil twice a month, you want to make sure the oil maintains its color and consistency.

How Long Can I Go Between Oil Changes

While keeping up with the regular maintenance of your vehicle is important, we understand that things can get in the way. A good tip to be mindful of is the healthier the oil, the longer the mile. While it's okay to stretch an extra couple of miles out of your oil, it shouldn’t be done too often.