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When to Change the Engine Oil ?
The answer is simple: Check your owner’s manual. It
should be your car maintenance and operation bible.
Don’t make assumptions on the interval based on past
experiences, because the timing has evolved over the
years.
Many cars, pickups, and SUVs now have service
reminder monitors that alert drivers when to change
their oil. These systems typically monitor the
number of miles a vehicle has traveled, and they
also sense how hard the car is being driven, and
adjust accordingly.
Make sure you get your oil change soon after you
receive such an alert.
However, It’s not just about miles: If you
don’t drive your car a lot, your oil still needs to
be kept fresh. Even if you drive fewer miles each
year than your automaker suggests changing the oil
(say, 6,000 miles, with suggested oil-change
intervals at 7,500 miles), you should still
be getting that oil changed twice a year.
Why? Oil becomes less effective as it ages, and by
not getting the engine warm enough, excess moisture
that forms in the engine will not be removed, which
can lead to shorter engine life.
Does changing oil more often than car manufacturers
recommend make an engine clean and last longer?
Your engine looks like the picture above, guess
what, you are in deep trouble.
Everybody has an angle on Oil change
intervals, seems like it all comes down who gets
your money.
Car manufacturer may want to shorten the life of
your engine so that you buy a new car, Service
centers trying to sell sell sell. Everyone wants a
piece of that pie. It is your decision.
My suggestion for my cliental has always been the
same, at least twice a year. Down here in Florida,
specially so close to the salt water of the gulf and
the the heat of the day. Give us a chance to
inspect the rest of the car, top off fluids and air
up the tires. For me an oil change ain't anything
more than a physical at your doctor. A safety and
maintenance inspection.
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