Changing your car oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle in great shape. When it is used too long, the oil turns to sludge and is unable to lubricate your engine. The resulting friction can damage the internal parts and even lead to a burnout. Here is a guide to how often you should be changing your car oil. 

For a long time, it was common knowledge in the auto industry that you were supposed to change your car oil every 3,000 miles. But as vehicle technology has advanced, most experts agree that you can wait a little longer. The new rule of thumb is somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 miles, depending on several factors. For one thing, every car and truck is different, and as a starting point, it’s worth referring to your owner’s manual to see what the official recommendation is. Once you’ve got a general number, then it’s time to assess your driving routine. 

How you use your car has major implications for how much oil is being used. If you do a lot of highway driving, it tends to put less stress on the engine. In that case, you should be okay to wait until 7,000 miles for a change.

If you’re a driver who makes a lot of shorter trips and is often stopping and starting frequently, your oil will turn to sludge faster. In that case, it’s better to change it closer to 5,000 miles. To efficiently remove impurities from the engine, your car oil must be heated up, but during short drives, it doesn’t have the chance to do that, so it becomes contaminated more quickly. 

Located in Anchorage, AK, F.A.T.S. Parts is the region’s top auto accessories provider. Offering everything from batteries to car oil changes, these professionals have everything your vehicle needs to run well. You can speak to a knowledgeable staff member by calling (907) 561-4721. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.