It’s one of the most common questions involved in owning a vehicle, and yet many still find themselves uncertain about how often they have their oil changed. You’ve probably heard a range of numbers as to how many miles you should have between each change. The most common of these numbers is the smallest. Coming in at the number one answer: 3,000 miles (or just under 5,000 kilometers for those across the pond).
Let’s start with why you need an oil change to begin with. Engine oil does three things: It provides lubrication for moving engine parts, moves harmful particles and substances to a filter, and acts as a general engine coolant. Over time, the additives that give the oil its helpful properties break down and lose their effects. This is marked by a coagulation or thickness in the oil itself.
When it comes to the frequency of oil changes, you’ve probably heard
figures as high as 5,000 and 7,000 miles — in addition to the golden 3,000. Well, if you’re starting to
think there’s no conclusive answer, that’s because there isn’t one! In fact,
you can even find the 3,000 mile rule now being referred to as the ‘3,000 mile
myth’ in recent automotive literature. These criticisms have come from the
engineering and automotive technology industries as well as state regulatory
agencies and environmental groups concerned about waste and pollution.
So now that you’re up to speed on the current oil change debate, how often should you actually do it? The short answer is to follow your automaker’s suggestion. As is in many situations, the simple act of referring to your owner’s manual can be your light in the darkness here. With the years of research and testing that have gone into the creation of every engine, there is no better way to know how often you need an oil change than to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you want to take it a step further, you can speak to the staff at Freehold Subaru today. For oil change services in Freehold, NJ, schedule a service appointment online now. The conditions and weather in which you drive will also factor into the necessity of a change. Extreme heat or cold, as well as frequent exposure to dust or sand will necessitate more frequent changes than mild temperatures and normal driving conditions. The bottom line when it comes to oil changes is that every car is different. To care better for your car, you have to care better for your vehicle.
