The standard to change your oil used to be every 3,000 miles, but now, the sweet spot for most vehicles is 5,000-7,500 miles. Full synthetic oil can allow the interval to expand up to 10,000-15,000 miles.
That’s unless you drive an EV, and in that case, you might be more interested in knowing the cost of charging your car.
Depending on the vehicle age or driving under “severe” conditions, the vehicle may require a shorter interval of oil change between 3000-5000 miles. I’d recommend you check your owner’s manual or oil-life monitoring system (if you have one) for the best decision.
If you barely drive at all, your oil can still sit around for a year, but you should be changing it out yearly to keep things fresh.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?
If you don’t change your oil for too long, it can be bad for your engine. Your engine could get hot, there could be a lot of friction on certain moving parts, and sludge could start building up and clogging passages in your engine.
Ultimately, you may need to replace it. Your car will also start to suffer fuel economy due to the old oil. And ignoring the oil change schedule can void any warranty you may have had!
A hundred or two miles late won’t kill it, but don’t forget to change it (or go over a year or more over the limit)!
What Are Common Factors That Influence Oil Change Frequency?
Driving habits are a crucial factor that influences oil change. If you’re in more stop-and-go traffic or towing, you’ll want to change your oil at the lower end of the intervals. Highway/infrequent miles allow for more distance between oil changes.
Oil type (synthetic gives you longer intervals), engine wear, & even challenging climates (hot or dirty) come into play, as well.
Older cars with older engines typically require more frequent oil changes than newer vehicles equipped with oil-life monitors.
You may want to read: Car Dashboard Warning Signs: A Complete Guide
How Do I Know When To Change My Oil?
Your owner’s manual is your guide, but on newer vehicles, oil-life monitoring systems will tell you when an oil change is due.
You can also look at the dipstick for oil that looks dark and murky to check the oil level. If you drive harder, i.e., short trips, towing, you would want to change your oil even closer to the lower end of the interval. Monthly checks are a great way to stay ahead.
If you drive a Honda, many new models have an oil change light that’ll turn on in the dashboard when it’s time for an oil change. Generally, Honda recommends changing oil every 8,000 km or every 6 months, whichever comes first.
Similarly, with a Toyota, it’s recommended to change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. You should also look out for the oil change light, which tells you your Toyota needs fresh oil.
Sources: wheatonhondawest.ca, southbaytoyota.com
How to Check Your Oil Level?
If your car doesn’t have an oil-life monitoring system, you can follow the traditional way, which is checking the oil dipstick.
Here’s how you do it:
- Find a level ground or a flat area to park & turn the engine off.
- Pop the hood & remove the oil dipstick. Follow your owner’s manual if you can’t find it.
- Wipe the dipstick properly with a clean cloth. This is to make sure you get an accurate level.
- Reinsert it fully & remove it again.
- Read the oil level. If the oil is within the high and low oil markings, you’re good to drive without an oil change.
- If you’re low on oil, add about half a quart at a time while repeating steps 4 to 6 until the oil is within the range.
- It’s a good practice to wipe the dipstick before reinserting again. Then, attach it well before closing the hood.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
The good news is that it’s a pretty quick service! If you take your car to a shop, it will take about 20-45 minutes, depending on the shop, how busy they are, & if you are also getting any extra services like a tire check.
If you change your own oil, you may be able to do it in an hour if you have some basic tools & know-how!.
Either way, it is a small time investment for a minimal expense to keep your engine running properly!
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
The cost of an oil change can range from $20 to $100. If you do it yourself with synthetic oil, you might spend about $40-$50.
However, if you do it at the dealership, it will likely be $70-$100. Quick lube businesses usually advertise prices around $30-$50.
Prices can vary based on oil, the location of the oil change, & any additional services. You should shop around, but don’t go cheap on your oil!
Is synthetic oil better than conventional oil?
Yes, synthetic oil is better & offers a longer life span (10,000-15,000 miles versus 5,000 for conventional oil). It allows the vehicle to run at a higher performance in extreme weather conditions and reduces sludge.
Synthetic oil costs more up front, but you will also spend less on oil changes and help save the environment. Conventional oil will work for regular driving. Check your manual to be sure.
Can I change my own oil?
If you are handy, yes! You will save around $40 for the oil and filter. And you will be in charge of what you’re putting into your car.
Just be careful to perform the proper steps: raise the car, drain the old oil, change the filter, and dispose of them properly. If you are not comfortable, take your car to a professional to change your oil lest you create a huge mess.
Also remember! After driving your vehicle, let it cool down for at least 5-10 minutes before you check & top up oil on a hot engine.
“Just change your own oil”, a Reddit user shared their experience. “Costco sells good oil at a reasonable price. I can get 20 quarts of Full Synthetic 0W20 for 70.00, which will cover 3 oil changes.
“3 oil filters are 10.00 each = 30.00, so I’m getting 3 oil changes for roughly 33.00 each.”
Oil Change FAQs
Does oil need to be changed every three months?
Not anymore! The three-month rule applies to very few newer cars. It is more about mileage (5000-7500 miles) or time (6-12 months), whichever comes first.
You can check your manual for specifics, but if you drive under normal conditions, three months is pretty outdated. Severe driving conditions might still dictate oil changes every three months.
Does mileage or time matter more with oil changes?
It’s a tie, if you ask me. If you have driven your car 10,000 miles in six months, then mileage matters. However, if you have only driven 1000 miles in one year, time is a factor because, regardless of mileage, oil continues to degrade when sitting.
How far can I go without getting an oil change?
You can push it a bit, possibly 1000-2000 miles, past your interval if you think the oil looks ok, and your car seems to be running fine.
Do not push it beyond that, though. At some point, you can be risking engine damage. If the oil light is on, get it done as soon as you can!
What happens if I don’t change my oil for 2 years?
Yikes! Your engine is in a lot of trouble at this point. Sludge buildup, overheating, & engine parts that are worn or stressed could result in an engine rebuild or replacement, which can be costly.
The biggest problem might be that your fuel efficiency will be terribly bad, and your warranty is probably void by now. You need to get it changed at least once a year, even if you put very few miles on it.
Can you go 100,000 miles with synthetic oil?
Not really, 100,000 miles is a stretch, even for synthetic. In general, most cars will top out at 15,000-20,000 miles between oil changes with premium synthetic & a quality filter. Extreme conditions, neglect, or tarnished oil life can significantly diminish that.
Final Say
Oil changes may seem like a hassle, but getting the timing right keeps your engine happy for years to come. The first thing I did when I got my Acura was check the manual & make sure I didn’t drive much in severe conditions. I haven’t changed my oil yet, but it’s due soon at 10,000 miles.
