I've only gone about 2,000 miles since my last oil change a year ago, and I'm wondering how often I really need to change my oil. Is it true that I should be changing it at least once a year, even if I'm not hitting the mileage recommended in the owner's manual?
5 Answers
Oil technology has improved a lot in recent years. Nowadays, many people can go as long as 10,000 miles between changes, especially with synthetic oils. If you're just doing normal driving and not frequently towing or driving in stop-and-go traffic, changing it once a year is likely all you need. Just keep an eye on your oil condition, and you should be good!
Does it still count if I sometimes mix different types of oil when topping up?
If your car spends its nights in a garage, you might not need to change the oil that often. Just remember that moisture build-up can happen, so it's still wise to do it at least once a year.
If I let it warm up regularly, does that help reduce condensation?
Always check your owner's manual! That should give you the recommended intervals for both mileage and time. If you're not quite hitting the mileage, once a year is usually a safe bet.
I totally agree! It's good to familiarize yourself with your manual right when you get a car.
For your situation, changing the oil once a year sounds reasonable. It's not overkill, and it ensures your engine stays in good shape. Remember, oil is relatively cheap compared to engine repairs!
I send my oil to Blackstone for analysis, and they said I could go longer than a year based on my driving habits.
Synthetic oils can last longer than traditional oils, which means if you're using synthetic and only driving a little, an annual change should suffice. Just make sure not to switch back to conventional oil after using synthetic—once you go synthetic, it's best to stick with it!
Aren't there different guidelines based on the make of the car? I often hear different recommendations.
What if my car just sits in the garage most days? Should I still stick to yearly changes?