How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Motor oil is the “lifeblood” of any engine. It keeps the essential part’s many moving components lubricated, which avoids premature friction and wear that can eventually make the engine overheat or seize. If you are wondering how often you should change your oil, the answer is between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Vehicle manufacturers used to recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles, though industry advancements allow drivers to go longer in between changes. However, it is still important to keep various oil change frequency factors in mind. Review them here and schedule an oil change with us at Peterson Chevrolet Buick Cadillac near Meridian if your vehicle is due! 

Suggested Oil Change Frequency 

While the current oil change standard is every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, there are several factors that call for more frequent service center visits. To determine how often you should change your oil for efficient driving around Nampa, keep in mind that the following factors affect oil change frequency: 

• Off-roading
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

All of these activities put more stress on your engine, causing it to use additional oil. Frequent off-roading is particularly damaging to oil due to the dust and dirt component. As oil becomes thicker with dust, metal shards, dirt, and other contaminants, it cannot lubricate the engine as efficiently, resulting in premature damage. 

Oil Maintenance Tips

To help you take the best care of your vehicle for extra-fun drives around Caldwell and the surrounding areas, review tips from our Service Center technicians in Boise: 

• Refer to your owner’s manual for motor oil specifics. Depending on the make and model, you will need either standard (conventional) or synthetic oil. While the latter oil is the more expensive option, it is considered higher-quality and longer-lasting. 
• Get the oil filter changed along with the oil. A dirty filter cannot remove dirt, metal shards, and other contaminants from motor oil as easily. 
• Drive often to keep the oil and other vehicle fluids in good working condition. If you do not drive frequently, you still need to replace the oil twice a year to avoid thickening issues. 
• Check the oil level about once a month. An undiscovered leak means your engine is not receiving the oil it needs to stay cool and efficient. 

Schedule an Oil Change at Peterson Chevrolet Buick Cadillac in Boise

Now that you know how often you should change your oil, take your vehicle to our Service Center if it needs “fresh blood”! Our experienced, friendly technicians provide oil changes and many other services that help drivers throughout Salt Lake City maintain functional vehicles. Call (208) 323- 5000 today to schedule an appointment and check out our Parts Department if you need a new oil filter or any other components! We offer regular service specials too! 

Service Specials at Peterson Chevrolet Buick Cadillac

We are currently updating our Specials. Please check back soon.

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