Oil is a vital part of a car. It ensures the smooth running of the engine and hence the car. The engine is a very delicate element of any vehicle and needs to be well maintained.
One simple way to protect your engine is by checking the oil frequently for any abnormalities. The check tells you if the oil needs changing and gives you a highlight on the health of the car in general.
How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil in Months?
Changing your engine oil regularly is one of the most important things that you can do for your car. Some people change their oil based on what the car manufacturer recommends, and others change it every 3 months, however, some newer engines are designed to be refilled with oil at a longer interval of 6 or 12 months which equates to 7000-11000 Miles.
Talk to your dealer about the best time intervals for your specific engine. The right time to change your oil will depend on a few factors such as how frequently you drive and in what conditions you drive in.
Things to consider when deciding whether to change your oil:
The manual of your car
Oil change frequency is dependent on the model and makes of your car. Manufacturers have recommendations on how many times you should change your oil and in what intervals.
Therefore, you can use the car manual to know when to make the change. Currently, most manufacturers’ manuals recommend replacement after 10000 miles. Depending on how you use your car, this could be in 6 to 12 months
How much do you use the car?
Changing your oil is also dependent on how often you drive your car. The more time you spend on the road, the more frequently you will need to change the oil. Depending on the use, you may even be required to change it twice or four times a year.
Why it is Vital to Change Your Oil Frequently
- Long Engine Life To ensure the engine’s long life and top-notch performance, you must change the oil as often as needed. The oil helps in reducing dirt, wear and tear, and heat on the engine. It also plays a significant role in preventing corrosion.
- Great Car Performance A car that is well maintained always gives great and long service. If you are not keen to change your oil, the engine might wear out and stop working, making the car useless. You can always replace the engine, but it will cost you an arm and a leg.
Signs Your Car Need an Oil Change
- The color of your oil. If the oil has turned to a dark shade, then it needs to be replaced.
- Engine noise. A strange noise coming from the engine could be from distress, meaning the oil is not helping the engine run properly.
- Car smelling of the oil or fumes. If you are smelling oil inside your car, the engine is likely overheating or has an oil leak.
- The mileage. Check the distance the car has covered to help you know when you need to change your oil. A clicking sound when starting your car. If you hear a ticking sound when starting the car, the oil is not moving as it should, making the valves try to force it to move. The oil, in this case, needs to be changed immediately to avoid engine failure.
- An odd consistency of the oil. When you check the oil and notice it has a different texture, that’s an indication you need to replace it. The oil collects dirt and can spoil the engine.
Conclusion
There is a lot of information available on how often you need to change your oil. It is all crucial in helping you learn more about the topic. However, a car’s care can be very personalized. What works in one car might not necessarily work in another.
It is your responsibility to look after the needs of your car. Therefore, get to find out what works and what doesn’t before making any major decisions on its maintenance. Moreover, find out what types of oils are in the market and the advancements made so far.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
