Is an oil change considered routine maintenance?
Routine maintenance is most often oil and filter changes, tire rotations and various inspections. After about the length of your warranty, the routine maintenance often becomes more involved and more expensive. Car owners usually become aware of the need for routine maintenance at certain mileage intervals.
Does oil need to be changed if car isn’t driven?
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.
How can I tell when it’s time for an oil change?
Instead, follow the automaker’s recommended service intervals. In many modern cars, your best bet is to rely on the vehicle’s oil life monitoring system to let you know when it’s time for a change. Your owner’s manual is the best place to look up your maintenance schedule. Oil changes were once dictated by miles driven.
When do I need to change the oil in my car?
If you have a weekend car or put very low miles on your vehicle, you’ll have to change your maintenance strategy a bit.
How often should I change the oil in my 1998 Mustang?
By going to an extended-life product, older vehicles, such as a 1998 Ford Mustang — which calls for oil changes every 5,000 miles — could cut back from three changes per year to just one. Ready to sell? Get a no-obligation offer for your car in minutes
Where can I find the oil change schedule?
An oil analysis can help you determine the maintenance intervals specific to your driving habits. Oil change information is in the maintenance chapter of your owner’s manual. If for some reason you’ve misplaced your owner’s manual, many automakers have put their manuals online. You can also search our Edmunds Maintenance Schedules.