Changing your oil is one of the most important — and most routine — parts of maintaining a vehicle. But knowing exactly how often you should change your oil isn’t always clear. Oil change schedules vary based on your oil type, vehicle age, driving habits, and other factors.
Here’s how to make sense of it all so you can protect your engine, preserve performance, and avoid unnecessary repairs down the road:
Synthetic vs. conventional oil
Synthetic oil is engineered for longer life and better performance. It flows better at cold temperatures, resists breakdown at high temperatures, and can extend oil change intervals. Most newer vehicles require or recommend synthetic oil.
Conventional oil is still used in many older cars and may be cheaper up front, but it tends to degrade faster and must be replaced more regularly.
Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for which oil type, grade, and viscosity are recommended — it’s always your best source for decision-making.
Understanding oil change schedules
For many modern vehicles using fully synthetic oil, the typical oil change interval falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, or about once per year, whichever comes first. But if you’re driving an older vehicle or using conventional oil instead of synthetic, you may need to change your oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.
Oil breaks down over time, so even if you drive infrequently, it’s still wise to replace it at least once a year. Moisture, fuel vapors, and other contaminants can degrade oil as it sits. If your car is new enough to have an oil-life monitor, defer to that.
When to change the oil early
Your driving style and conditions play a big role in how fast your oil wears out. Automakers call this “severe service,” and it’s more common than many drivers realize. You may have to accelerate your oil change timetable if you:
Mostly drive short trips where the engine can’t warm up
Regularly sit in stop-and-go traffic or idle for long periods
Frequently tow or haul heavy loads
Regularly drive in extremely hot, cold, or dusty areas
If any of this occurs, change synthetic oil every 5,000 miles or conventional oil no later than every 3,000 miles. An oil-life monitor can guide you here as well.
Doing it yourself: What’s involved
If you’re planning to change your oil yourself, it’s not overly complicated. You’ll need the correct oil type, a new oil filter, a drain pan, a socket wrench, and an oil filter wrench. You’ll also want to have a funnel, gloves and rags, and ramps or jack stands (so you can slide under your vehicle).
Key steps:
Warm the engine slightly so the oil flows easily (not always needed with synthetic oil).
Remove the old oil by pulling out the drain plug and allowing the oil to drip into the pan.
Replace the filter and make sure the old gasket (seal) comes off with it.
Install a new washer around the drain plug, then reinsert the plug tightly.
Add in new oil using a funnel, then briefly start the engine to circulate it.
Check for leaks, shut the engine off, then recheck the oil level with a dipstick.
Be cautious to avoid common mistakes, such as using the wrong oil viscosity, overfilling the crankcase, or forgetting the filter gasket. These can lead to serious problems later. Once again, your owner’s manual can provide further guidance.
Thinking about car ownership?
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