How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Changing your oil on a regular basis is intrinsic to maintaining your vehicle’s health. In the past, experts recommended that oil changes be conducted every 3,000 miles, but thanks to advances in oil and engine technology, most vehicles can go 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, it’s always a great idea to check your owner’s manual to know how often you should change your oil. Read on to learn more about oil change frequency, what happens when your oil isn’t changed, and more with the team at Joe Basil Chevrolet.

Determinants of Oil Change Frequency

While 7,000-10,000 miles is a general interval, there are certain vehicles that will need their oil changed sooner. If any of these conditions apply to you, reach out to our service center near Buffalo so our experts can inform you on when you should bring your vehicle in:

• Off-roading
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

How Often Should Synthetic Oil be Changed?

If your vehicle in Cheektowaga runs on synthetic oil, you can typically expect to wait longer intervals between oil changes. But how often should you change synthetic oil? Since synthetic oil change intervals largely depend on the make and model of your vehicle, you should make an oil change appointment anywhere between 6,000 and 16,000 miles. However, you should refer to your owner’s manual for more specific information.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed?

Oftentimes, drivers want to know what happens if you don’t get your oil change? Since your engine depends on fresh and clean oil to operate properly, not changing your oil can be quite detrimental to its health. Oil lubricates the moving parts in your car’s engine, preventing friction and overheating. Oil also collects debris that moves throughout the engine and takes it to the oil filter. Over time, the filter and oil itself can get dirty, filled with contaminants, and in need of replacement. When you don’t get your oil changed regularly, there’s a number of issue that could arise:

• Check engine and/or oil change lights are illuminated
• Knocking sound coming from the engine
• Dark and dirty oil
• Smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe
• Engine overheating

More Tips on Oil Changes

Before stopping by our service center near Cheektowaga, take a look at these oil changes facts. If you have any questions, call our service center at (716) 288-5425.

• Even if you don’t drive your car frequently, it’s still best to get an oil change at least twice a year. Oil can break down over time even if the vehicle isn’t being used.
• Whenever you get your oil changed, the oil filter should be replaced as well. Feel free to visit the parts center at Joe Basil Chevrolet for an oil filter if you’re doing a DIY oil change.
• Unsure of whether you should use synthetic vs. conventional oil? Check your owner’s manual. While synthetic oil can cost more, some vehicles require it.

How Often Should I Check My Oil Level?

Checking your oil level once a month will help catch any leaks in the oil system. While checking the oil level, you should also check for any change to your oil’s color, as well as the appearance of any metal particles in the oil. Those can be signs of serious problems. If you’re low on oil or notice another issue, schedule a service appointment with Joe Basil Chevrolet today.

Stop by Joe Basil Chevrolet for an Oil Change

Now that we’ve answered the popularly asked question, “how often should you change your oil,” plan your next oil change at Joe Basil Chevrolet, and our expert service technicians can take care of the job for you! We even offer service specials for many of our popular maintenance and repair services! If you have any additional questions, such as “how long does an oil change take?”, contact us to start a conversation.