How do I know when my oil change was last?
6 Signs Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing
- Check Engine or Oil Change Light. The most obvious alert that there’s an issue with your oil will come from the car itself.
- Engine Noise and Knocking.
- Dark, Dirty Oil.
- Oil Smell Inside the Car.
- Exhaust Smoke.
- Excessive Mileage.
Do I have to get my oil changed at the dealership?
Generally speaking, though, it shouldn’t matter much where you get your oil changed. As long as you keep your receipts and perform oil changes at recommended intervals, you won’t void your warranty if you go to an independent shop — and you might save some time and a little money.
How often do they recommend an oil change?
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. Moreover, if your car’s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
Why do dealerships take forever to change oil?
Generally, dealer oil changes come between other jobs and include “safety inspection” and possible “car wash.” Size of crew is a factor. Oil change franchises are handy, especially since oil “must be properly disposed of.” Oil change franchises also have crews that can leave loose or stripped oil plugs or filters.
Do I have to go to the dealership for regularly scheduled maintenance?
Short Answer: No. By law, automakers and dealerships are not allowed to make you perform regular maintenance at a dealership for a new-car warranty to remain valid.
Do you have to get your oil changed at a dealership?
It depends on your car. There’s a wide variety of used Hondas offering excellent bang for the buck. If you’ve bought a new or used car and it’s time to get your oil changed, you’re probably wondering whether you have to have a dealership perform the service.
When to stop changing the oil in your car?
Stop Changing Your Oil! Oil chemistry and engine technology have evolved tremendously in recent years, but you’d never know it from the quick-change behavior of American car owners. Driven by an outdated 3,000-mile oil change commandment, they are unnecessarily spending millions of dollars and spilling an ocean of contaminated waste oil.
How often should I change the oil on my Edmunds car?
A career Navy mechanic who bought an Edmunds.com long-term car just shrugged when he was told that the vehicle had safely gone 13,000 miles between oil changes. “I’ll just keep changing the oil every 5,000 miles,” he said. “It’s worked well for me in the past.”
How can you tell when your car is due for an oil change?
Follow the instructions provided in your car’s owner’s manual. Add a oil when the level indicated by your engine’s dipstick reaches or drops below the “ADD” marking. In the past, old service receipts or that little sticker in the corner of your windshield may have been the only way to know when your car was due for its next oil change.