How Often Should You Change Your Car Oil?

I recommend that my customers change their oil about every 5,000 miles. However, this can also vary depending upon the vehicle, oil and the owner's driving habits.

For example, if you are a city driver, where you are tapping on the breaks frequently and not driving for long stretches, your oil may need changing sooner than later. City driving is harder on the engine and will contaminate the oil sooner.

Another factor to consider is what type of oil you are putting in your car. Whenever, I do an oil change for a customer, I only use synthetic oil. This oil is much better for the car's engine and you may be able to go longer without a change. Synthetic oil stands up to heat and it has a better detergent package.

Lastly, newer vehicles tend to be more efficient as time goes on and they don't have to have as frequent oil changes. In fact, some of the newer years suggest an oil change every 15,000 miles.