How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Improving Vehicle Performance Through Oil Change Intervals

Whether you decide to perform an oil change yourself or go with a mechanic, the average service usually costs between twenty and seventy. Keeping up to speed on regular oil changes can extend the lifetime of your vehicle’s engine and help it function more efficiently. Oil changes, when performed by a licensed mechanic, should be performed every three thousand miles or every three months. With proper oil change, the engine can function better and last longer. If your engine oil has been changed too often, it will be unable to properly function. With the correct oil, you can extend your vehicle’s life.

oil change

“It is not necessary to have a complete interval at once. The intervals should be spaced out so that the motor oil levels are not depleted. In addition, changing the motor oil too frequently may lead to irregular wear that will need to be attended to periodically.” He goes on to say, “But if the intervals are too short, then it is suggested to get the motor oil changed right away, to prevent engine failure.”

The manual for changing conventional motor oil lists the recommended interval in accordance with manufacturers specifications as three thousand miles. This information comes from the US Environmental Protection Agency and is based on the conclusion that synthetic oils are fifteen times less likely to contribute to motor oil spills than conventional oil. The three thousand mile rule can also apply to biodiesel used in conjunction with conventional oil. So, it seems to be at least theoretically possible to comply with the three thousand mile interval provided, although compliance is voluntary.

When doing a cost analysis of motor oil one must take into account the cost of synthetic oil as well. If synthetic oil is required, the cost could add up to more than three hundred dollars per gallon. However, as noted earlier, the savings may be realized after the first year of use. The cost of a typical synthetic oil refill at the filling station could range from two to four dollars, with a saving of up to ninety-five percent, or more when compared to conventional motor oil. When comparing conventional and synthetic motor oil. “It’s not that one is cheaper than the other; it’s just that the first year of use delivers the most benefits.”

Regular oil changes cost about twenty-five dollars to One Hundred Dollars to perform. This can include both fuel and time for driving to and from the oil-change location. The economic benefit to doing it periodically versus not performing any changes at all. Of course, this calculation considers only when a change is necessary. It does not consider the incremental costs caused by not performing maintenance or driving to and from oil changes locations that are too far away or inconvenient.

A major benefit to synthetic oils is that they provide engine protection that conventional motor oils do not provide. Synthetic oils have been shown to increase the life and durability of engine parts. They also improve performance and reduce the risk of bearing damage caused by extreme heat. In addition, synthetic oils are flame retardant, have been shown to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

In addition, regular oil changes do not affect the performance of vehicles’ engines. When full synthetic oil is added during a service, it increases the performance of the engine. Regular maintenance of the vehicle increased mileage by seven percent and improved performance on the freeway by nearly one percent. This advantage is nearly double the advantage derived from conventional motor oil.

In recent years, several automobile manufacturers, such as Honda and Toyota, have designed and developed oil life monitoring systems that incorporate synthetic oil. Many of these systems are currently being installed in new vehicles. The systems work by collecting data during every service stop and by using computer software to calculate the amount of oil used and to monitor engine temperatures. Automakers are continually designing new features and refining technology to meet consumer needs. Automobile industry groups, such as The Automotive Industry Association, believe that more consumers will demand oil change services, as they become aware of the additional benefits offered through the use of an oil change interval chart.