How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

When it comes to taking care of your car, there are a few services that are crucial for maintenance such as regular oil changes. But how often should you really get one? The answer might surprise you – and could potentially save your engine.

Why Mileage Matters More Than Time

Your mileage determines when you need an oil change

While many drivers think about oil changes in terms of months ("Has it been 3 months already?"), the truth is that mileage is the most important factor. Here's why:

• Your engine works based on rotations and combustion cycles, not calendar days
• A car driven 15,000 miles in 3 months needs oil changes more frequently than one driven 3,000 miles in 6 months
• Oil breaks down primarily through use, not just sitting in your engine

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: What's the Difference?

Choose the right oil type for your vehicle

You may ask yourself why there are different prices when you go into your local auto shop for an oil change. That's because you can have different types of oil changes that change in terms of performance, price, protection and the type of car you have. The most common you'll see are:

Conventional Oil Changes

• It's refined from crude oil
• It's good for older vehicles or those with simple engine designs
• It typically needs changing every 3,000-5,000 miles
• And it's more affordable upfront

Synthetic Oil

• It's engineered in a lab for superior performance
• It has better protection in extreme temperatures
• It lasts longer – usually 5,000-7,500 miles or more
• And it helps engines run cleaner and more efficiently

The 330,000-Mile F-150

330,000 miles on the original engine - proof that oil changes work

In case you don't know him, Baker is the shop owner and a true believer in preventive maintenance. His 2011 Ford F-150 has an incredible 330,000 miles on the original engine and original transmission – and it's still running strong.

What's his secret? Baker and his father (the truck's original owner) have continuously changed the oil every 3,000 miles – well before the recommended 5,000-mile mark.

"The key to making your vehicle last longer is being on top of the oil changes. And he has the car to prove it."

How an Oil Change is Done

In case you still want to know a little more about oil changes, let's go through the usual steps at our store:

1. Drain the old oil completely
2. Replace the oil filter with a new one
3. Add fresh oil to manufacturer specifications
4. Check levels and top off other fluids
5. Reset your oil life monitor if equipped

The entire process takes about 15-30 minutes, and you can wait in our comfortable waiting rooms.

Ready to Protect Your Engine?

Think about what mileage you were at the last time you got an oil change and decide if it's time to get a new one! Like Baker's 330,000-mile F-150 proves, regular oil changes are the key to a long-lasting engine.