Car Oil Changes: 
How Often and When Should You Change Your Oil?

Every vehicle is different, but you can follow some general guidelines to ensure your engine stays in the best shape possible. So when should you change your oil? It's best to do it consistently, preferably every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. But this number can vary. Your vehicle's specific oil change frequency will depend on several factors, including:

• Type of Oil: For many years, conventional oil was the only option you had when getting an oil change. With the advent of synthetic oil, you can now go much further in between changes, with some brands lasting up to 20,000 miles. Synthetic oil is also far better for your engine, with advantages that include the following:
  • Keeping your engine cleaner by containing fewer impurities
  • Resisting the formation of sludge and deposits in your engine
  • Flowing better at low temperatures
  • Protecting your engine at high temperatures
• Type of Car: Some vehicle types need oil changes less often, like hybrid vehicles. Because the gasoline engine gets a break due to sharing the workload with its electric counterpart, hybrid cars can go much further between oil changes. These cars also have a lower risk of engine failure due to the reduced stress they experience.
• Vehicle Use and Purpose: Depending on what you use your vehicle for, you may need to get oil changes more frequently. If your car is used for commercial driving or heavy towing, that will likely put more stress on your engine and cause more buildup in your oil. Vehicles used for off-roading or racing will also experience rougher driving conditions and more oil contaminants. You can avoid engine damage and failure during operation by changing the oil more often.

There are two basic metrics by which you can determine when you need an oil change: time and mileage. When you go in for a professional oil change, you'll notice a sticker on your windshield. This sticker usually has the current mileage along with a higher mileage and future date. These are the technician's recommendations for when you should come in next, but how many miles between oil changes usually ranges between 3,000 to 6,000. Time estimates are slightly different, with automotive techs recommending between three and six months.

Oil change estimates are usually a general recommendation and not a hard requirement. There are a few reasons your car may not need oil changes as frequently, including:

• Your vehicle may be newer and require oil changes less frequently
• You use synthetic oil
• You rarely drive your vehicle
• Your driving behavior doesn't stress your engine

Even if you infrequently drive your car, getting regular oil changes is still a good idea. Check your oil once every month or two to see whether it's dirty, and try to get an oil change at least twice a year. If you don't, you could do serious damage to your car.

If you wait too long between changes, your oil can become sludge. This thick and slow-moving substance is awful for your engine and can slow down the moving parts that make it function. This can have several consequences, including:

• Damaging Your Engine Components: Some of the functions of your motor oil are to soak up excess heat and lubricate your engine so it can move properly. Once the oil gets old, it can no longer complete these functions, leading the internal components to damage each other during operation. As these parts warp and grind, your engine may begin to seize up and fail. If the damage is extensive enough, getting an entirely new engine is the only fix.
• Blowing Your Head Gaskets: Head gaskets help seal your engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to build compression and maintain engine power. Coolant and oil can leak into other engine parts if these gaskets blow. This will cause overheating and increase the possibility of a fire breaking out. Repairing a head gasket is costly, and far more complex than a simple oil change.
• Lowering Your Fuel Efficiency: Oil is responsible for keeping your engine clean, which allows it to run to its full potential. As combustion occurs, oil and your air filter capture byproducts and other debris that can slow your engine down. If your oil and air filters get old, they can no longer complete this function, which causes your engine to struggle as it powers your vehicle.
• Void Your Warranty or Lease: Many warranties and leases have a clause requiring the driver to get regular maintenance. This maintenance almost always includes regular oil changes; failing to do this could void your warranty or lease. For a warranty, that could mean that certain repairs will not be covered if they are required. For a lease, it could mean losing ownership of your car altogether.

If left for too long, old oil can even cause complete engine failure. This would make your car useless and require you to replace the entire engine or get a new vehicle altogether. Checking whether a car has been appropriately maintained is very important when looking at used vehicles; that's why getting a vehicle history report is vital.

Vehicle history reports can give you valuable insight into any available car's history, including details like:

• Vehicle Overview
• Title History
• Sales History
• Location History
• Pricing
• Residual Values
• Junk/Salvage Records
• Insurer "Total Loss" Records
• Auto Specs
• Title Brands (Problem Checks)
• Mileage Information
• Awards and Accolades
• NHTSA Crash Testing and Recall Data
• And Much More!

This can help you ensure the seller has taken proper care of the car and confirm they are being honest about the vehicle's history. Without a report, it's easy to fall prey to a car-buying scam or overpay for a damaged vehicle.