Oil changes prolong the life of you vehicle’s engine and help prevent expensive repairs. Vehicle manufacturer’s often recommend oil be change anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles and will list the optimal time for your vehicle in the owner’s manual. If you don’t follow these recommendations during your vehicle’s warranty period, you will most likely void some of the warranty protection.

In addition to manufacturer recommendations, there are also tire and lube centers that will recommend oil be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or even use dates such as every three months. Aside from more frequent oil changes, following these guidelines provides a regular opportunity for a quick vehicle check-up to help identify any issues at their onset when they may be easier, and cheaper to repair.

The schedule you follow for oil changes should be determined by how you drive and what your driving conditions are.

• If you frequently drive in stop and go traffic, or tend to accelerate quickly, your oil will need changed more frequently.
• Extremely hot or cold temperatures cause oil to break down sooner. During months of extreme hot or cold, plan to change your oil more often that you would during moderate temperatures.
• Dirt and dust causes oil to lose its ability to properly lubricate your engine. If you often drive on dirt roads, plan to change your oil more often than those who drive only on paved roads.
• Towing or carrying heavy loads makes your engine work harder. If you drive a truck or SUV that frequently tows or hauls, you will need to change your oil more frequently.

Get the most out of your vehicles by planning oil changes based on your driving tendencies and manufacturer’s guidelines.