
Routine maintenance is an incredibly important part of owning a vehicle. Changing your oil at regular intervals will ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and smoothly. You may be wondering at what point you should change your oil. The truth is that each vehicle and each brand of oil affects when you should make the switch. Sometimes you need to base the answer on mileage. Other times it might be more about time. Many oil service centers will recommend that you get your oil changed every six months or every 3,000 miles. Manufacturers are now explaining that once every 5,000 miles is perfectly acceptable. If you have an older vehicle or something is going wrong, then you may want to consider an oil change earlier on.
Changing Oil is Critical to Vehicle Longevity
When you put fresh oil into your vehicle this allows for your vehicle to run much smoother. Dirty oil can contribute to all kinds of issues that your vehicle may experience. As the additives in your oil are released over time, this can result in contaminants making their way into the crankcase and eroding various parts of your engine that are made of metal. Water collection results in sludge. Your oil can also accumulate a lot of abrasive particles that eat away at your engine over time.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Now that you are aware of the benefits associated with changing your oil regularly, the question remains of how often you should be changing your oil. Should you base your answer on mileage? What about the need for oil changes that are between your routine time frame? The only trusted way that you can ensure your vehicle is not running on dirty oil is to change it as often as every 1,000 miles in extreme operating conditions. If you stay on a tight schedule with your oil changes, then you can actually double the amount of years you will get out of your engine. If you are doing a lot of stop-and-go driving in rush hour each day, then you may want to think about more frequent oil changes. Driving in very hot weather or driving in a climate that is very dirty and dusty can warrant more frequent changes of your oil.
We Can Help You Decide When to Service Your Vehicle
If you are wondering what type of oil change schedule that you should follow, follow your manufacturer's recommendations. You can also contact us here at Stonebriar Chevy for more information. Optimal operating conditions will allow you to keep your oil changes to a minimum. You should be able to stay to a pretty routine schedule. There are always situations that require you to alter your schedule. Keep in mind there will be repairs and wear and tear that will require more frequent attention. Make sure you take the time to care for your vehicle so it provides you with many years of service.