Are frequent oil changes bad?
But experts say that too frequent oil changes won’t make your car last longer or run better. Plus, you’re throwing away your time and money and a natural resource. Changing your oil too frequently, and the dumping of waste motor oil, are also bad for the environment.
How often should you change your oil in months?
The general recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, with twice a year being the minimum.
Why do I need an oil change so often?
Every time the engine is started, the oil is contaminated with blow-by soot, raw gasoline and condensed moisture. Unless the engine gets regular extended highway travel, these contaminants remain in the oil.” If you drive in one or more of these conditions in a typical week, you may need to change your oil more often.
How often should you change the oil in your car?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
How can you tell when it’s time to change your oil?
For people who aren’t keeping track of their mileage, another way to know it’s time to change your oil is looking at the dipstick. When it’s dark, it’s time to change the oil, according to McKenzie. Newer cars might even have an oil change light on the dashboard to take out the guessing work.
What happens if you leave your oil unchanged for a long time?
Over time, the chemical structures in the oil break down and make it a less effective lubricant, according to McKenzie. And the oil is there to reduce friction, which causes heat. So if you leave your oil unchanged long enough, you’re asking for trouble and a hot engine.
Where do I find the oil change schedule?
Look in your owner’s manual. In the scheduled maintenance section, the manual tells you how many miles or how much time you can allow between oil changes. Most manufacturers also recommend changing the oil filter — an inexpensive item — when you change the oil. Many owner’s manuals list oil change schedules for severe and normal driving.