How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?

Car oil keeps your engine purring by cooling, lubricating, cleaning, and protecting it to keep you safe on the road. Most auto engines require an oil change between 5,000 and 7,500 miles when using regular conventional oil. With fully synthetic motor oil, you can expect to get up to 15,000 miles between oil change services (depending on your driving habits and vehicle type).

Can You Extend Your Vehicle’s Oil Change Interval?

Yes, you can. If you feel like you’re constantly getting oil changes, switching to synthetic oil will significantly extend the time between services, sometimes doubling or even tripling the interval compared to conventional oil. Synthetic oil offers superior heat resistance, lubrication, and engine protection, making it a great choice for minimizing maintenance visits while maximizing engine efficiency.

Performance Auto Center: Comprehensive Car Maintenance

We change your oil based on your vehicle’s specific needs and also provide comprehensive checks for filters, fluid levels, and other essential components.

Our oil change service involves:

• Replacing old oil with the correct type for your vehicle
• Installing a new oil filter
• Checking and topping off essential fluids
• Inspecting the oil pan and drain plug for leaks or damage
• Verifying oil pressure for optimal engine performance
• Disposing of used oil and filters responsibly

Do You Need To Change Your Vehicle’s Oil Filter Too?

Yes, you should also consider replacing your oil filter when you change your oil. This small but essential component traps dirt, metal particles, and debris, preventing them from circulating through your engine. Over time, your filter may become clogged, restricting oil flow and forcing dirty oil back into your engine, leading to increased wear and reduced performance.

Replacing this filter ensures your fresh oil stays clean, maximizing engine efficiency and extending your engine’s longevity.

Are There Different Types of Oil for Cars?

There's a reason you can't use just any oil in your car. Different engines have unique requirements based on their design, age, and how they’re driven. We use the right type of oil to ensure your engine stays properly lubricated and protected, no matter the conditions.

Here are the different types:

• Standard (conventional) oil: A basic option suitable for many engines, especially in older or less demanding vehicles. It's affordable but requires more frequent changes.
• High-mileage oil: Designed for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, it includes additives that help reduce leaks, minimize wear, and protect aging engine components.
• Synthetic oil: Engineered for high performance, it offers superior protection against extreme temperatures and longer intervals between changes, making it ideal for some modern engines.

Is a Synthetic Oil Change the Same Process as a Regular Oil Change?

Not exactly. While the process of changing fully synthetic oil follows many of the same steps as a conventional oil change, there are a few differences to consider.

When you’re switching to synthetic oil for the first time, you should do a full oil change and filter replacement rather than simply topping off with synthetic. This ensures that your engine benefits from the complete cleaning and protective properties of synthetic oil without mixing it with residual conventional oil, which could reduce its effectiveness.

Remember that synthetic oil has a longer lifespan and offers better engine protection in extreme temperatures, so you may not need to change it as often. However, using the correct oil filter designed for synthetic oil is crucial since it needs to handle the extended drain intervals and advanced cleaning properties of synthetic lubricants.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is ready for a switch to synthetic oil, consult your owner’s manual or one of our mechanics to ensure the best performance and protection for your engine.

How Long Does It Take To Change Car Oil?

The oil change itself typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, we drain the oil, replace the filter, and add fresh oil to your engine.

The total time can vary depending on your vehicle’s design or if you need any additional services. Engine or air conditioning repair will extend the length of service accordingly.

Signs You Need an Automotive Oil Change

Knowing how to maintain your engine helps you keep your vehicle operating reliably for longer. Some distinct signs will tell you when draining and disposing of used oil (and topping up your tank with fresh motor oil) is the best way to protect your engine.

When you notice any of the following, an automotive oil change might be overdue:

• Dark, dirty oil: Fresh oil is amber-colored, but if it looks dark and gritty, it’s no longer protecting your engine properly.
• Burning oil smell: A strong odor inside or outside your car could indicate an oil leak or overheating engine components.
• Check engine or oil light (on your dash): If your dashboard oil light comes on, it’s a clear sign your oil level or quality needs attention.
• Excessive exhaust smoke: This is a sign that oil is burning inside your engine, which could indicate an oil leak or more serious engine issues.
• Rough idling and engine knocking: If your car shakes, stalls, or makes knocking noises, your oil may be too old or too low to lubricate engine parts adequately.