When Your Car Should Get an Oil Change

Every car needs fresh oil to ensure the engine runs as smoothly as possible. However, every vehicle is different, and not every auto owner may be aware of when to schedule an oil change for their car. While the answer largely depends on driving conditions and driving habits, there are a few other variables involved, which we will discuss in-depth below.

If your car is due for an oil change and you want to be sure your vehicle is being inspected by the most professional team of mechanics around, come see us at Rockdale Automotive Inc in Rockdale, Illinois, today.

When to Schedule an Oil Change

There are several variables involved when it comes to scheduling an oil change, such as vehicle age, driving conditions, and the type of oil your car needs. In most instances, it’s suggested to change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines have recommended intervals of 5,000 miles to 7,000 miles.

Furthermore, if your car’s engine needs full-synthetic motor oil, it could even go as long as 15,000 miles between service appointments. While this doesn’t apply to every car, truck, or SUV, the best thing you can do is refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what the factory maintenance schedule is for your car.

Service Appointments for Older Cars

If you drive an older vehicle, your service appointment schedule may be slightly different than other cars on the road. Older models typically have shorter intervals between service appointments due to the fact that engine parts and components may start to wear down after a certain mileage. If you drive an older vehicle, you may want to consider scheduling a service appointment every 3,000 miles to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Service Appointments for Newer Cars

Most newer cars are designed with state-of-the-art oil-life monitoring systems that automatically assess and alert the driver when a service appointment is needed.

Less frequent oil changes on newer engines make it essential that you check the oil level on a monthly basis and top it off as needed. While many engines use less than a quarter of oil between service appointments, other engines could use as much as a quarter every 700 miles. Maintaining sufficient oil levels helps in preventing expensive car repairs and extensive engine wear that are often the result of low oil levels.

Visit Rockdale Automotive Inc Today to Learn More

At Rockdale Automotive Inc, we’re here to help you. Whether you’re unsure of when to bring your vehicle in for an oil change, what type of oil you should use during your next oil change, or if you simply want to get a better understanding of your vehicle, we have a team of professional auto repair mechanics who are always ready and willing to help.

If you want to work with a team of friendly and trusted auto repair specialists, schedule an appointment to come see us in Rockdale, Illinois, today.