How often should I change the oil?

Change of oil are among the most common maintenance requirements for most vehicles. While these maintenance visits may seem minor in size, the consequences of ignoring an essential oil change can be devastating to the health of your car and your wallet. Here are some tips on how to determine how often you need to change your oil.

Clockwork oil change mechanism

On average, cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles or every six months. This may vary depending on your driving habits, how often you drive, the age of your vehicle, and the quality of the oil you use. If you drive a newer vehicle, you can safely wait a little longer between changes. It's best to consult a car care professional if you're not sure if the 3,000 mile/six month mileage system works with you and your car. While not an exact science, this system can help you get a rough estimate of when you need to change your oil.

Vehicle notification system

The most obvious indicator that it's time to change the oil is a warning light on the dashboard, which can signal a low oil level. Look in your owner's manual to see how an oil level indicator can notify you when your vehicle needs service. On some vehicles, a flashing oil light means you only need to change the oil, while a solid light means you need to change the oil and filter. Be aware that relying on these systems can be risky as they are not error-proof. Assuming your oil change indicator is accurate, waiting for it to come on will also take away some of the flexibility that comes with scheduling your oil change ahead of time. However, if you're forgetful when it comes to oil changes, the notification system installed in your car can be a great additional indicator of when you need oil maintenance.

Self-monitoring of oil composition

You can also check the condition of your oil yourself by opening under the hood and pulling out the oil dipstick in your engine. If you are unfamiliar with your engine system, please refer to your owner's manual for basic information here. Before reading the dipstick, you need to wipe it off to get rid of any oil residue before reinserting it and pulling it out; make sure you insert the clean dipstick all the way in to accurately measure the oil level. This will give you a clear line of where your oil is reaching in your engine system. If the dipstick shows the level is low, it means it's time to change the oil.

car function

The oil works in your car by keeping the different parts of the engine system working together without resistance or friction. If your engine is running poorly or making strange noises, it could be a sign that major parts of your vehicle's system are not properly lubricated. If your vehicle's feature is disabled, it's important to check your vehicle's oil level and composition, as this could be a signal that it's time for an oil change. Bring your vehicle in for diagnostics at the first sign of a problem to help pinpoint the source of your vehicle's problems.

Where can I change the oil » wiki helpful Changing the oil in the triangle

To keep your vehicle in good condition, you should perform regular oil changes or have them done by a professional. If you go to a car care professional, the experienced technician will provide you with a sticker indicating when you should change your oil next based on the date or mileage of your car. Expert assistance can save you the time and effort associated with changing your oil by eliminating these essential services.

Chapel Hill Tire has eight points at the Driver's Triangle at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham and Carrborough. Find a place near you for available oil change today!

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