People go by many rules of thumb when it comes to scheduling oil changes. One of the most common rules is every 3,000 miles or every three months—whichever comes first. Others say you can go about 5,000 miles or longer before an oil change. All Around Auto Care in Elizabethtown, KY, wants clients to know that while there isn’t an easy answer to the question of when oil needs to be replaced, there are a few ways you can tell.

Below, the local car maintenance specialists give a few tips on how to tell when you need an oil change:

• Check Oil Regularly: Every driver should get into the habit of checking their oil each week. Enthusiasts would say to do it every day, but do what’s realistic for you. When you do check your oil, it isn’t just the level that’s important, but the viscosity: How slick is it on your fingers? The oil should also be lightly colored. If the oil feels thin, has a low level, or is dark in color, it’s time for an oil change.

• Time: Changing your oil is important even if you don’t drive very often. If you’re an infrequent driver, schedule your oil changes every three months. This will help you avoid letting acidic condensates develop in your engine. Otherwise known as “blowby gasses,” these harmful substances normally get burned up on ignition. But when left to accumulate, they corrode engines.

• Check Official Documentation: If you’ve been wondering whether your oil changes have been too frequent or not frequent enough, check your owner’s manual. This resource provides more definitive guidelines for your particular make and model.

Whether you drive to work every day or just take occasional trips to the store, you need regular oil changes to ensure the integrity of your engine and give you the best possible mileage. For the best car maintenance services in Elizabethtown, KY, stop by All Around Auto Care. Call (270) 737-9954 today or visit them online.