As a car owner, you know that being a good driver doesn’t only mean following the rules of the road—you also have to maintain the vehicle. One of the most common automotive care tasks is an oil change. At Springdale Automotive in West Chester, OH, they are happy to educate customers on this crucial responsibility. Here, they offer further insight into how often you should have the car’s oil changed and what factors contribute to this frequency.

Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency

First, consider your car’s age—the older it is, the more frequently its oil will have to be changed. From there, think about your personal driving style. Do you put intense amounts of stress on the vehicle’s engine by hauling large loads or towing a trailer?

This type of activity, along with driving habits like going off-road on rough terrain, will force your car’s engine to get hotter than normal, hindering the oil’s ability to do its job and lubricate the moving parts. If you’re driving in a warm climate, the engine will respond similarly. Therefore, you may need an oil change sooner than normal after a summer full of driving or a long road trip heading south.

How to Determine When You Need an Oil Change

In the past, most automotive care professionals urged drivers to schedule an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, today’s cars can go up to 5,000 miles without needing one. Before you make an assumption, check the car’s manual to find out how often the manufacturer recommends getting an oil change.

While their suggestion holds weight, it’s also worth considering the factors above, as these can sway the official recommendation. If you’ve been putting excess stress on the engine for several months, take it to an automotive care service for a professional opinion.

If you’re looking for advice about oil changes near West Chester, OH, head straight to Springdale Automotive. They’ll be happy to look under the hood and tell you exactly what kind of shape the engine is in. In addition to engines, they also work with brake and transmission systems. For a comprehensive tuneup, get in touch with Springdale Automotive at (513) 860-2760. You can also visit the website for more information about their automotive care services.