Determining exactly how often the oil in your car needs to be changed can be challenging. It’s likely you’ve heard many varying opinions, making it difficult to know what instructions to follow. The truth is, the time you should allow between oil changes will depend on several different factors specific to your vehicle and driving habits. Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision about getting this essential maintenance service done.

A Guide to Getting Oil Changes for Your Car 

When Does the Average Driver Need an Oil Change?

The first step any driver should take when trying to figure out how often to get an oil change is to read the owner’s manual that came with their car. This will provide advice directly from the manufacturer who built the vehicle.

Manufacturer recommendations for the average driver will typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 miles or three to six months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in extreme weather conditions, stop-and-go traffic, on dusty roads, or while towing a trailer, you will need to change your oil more frequently. 

What if Your Car Isn’t Driven Much?

One of the biggest misconceptions about oil changes is that they don’t need to be done as often if a car isn’t being driven very much. While it may seem counterintuitive, a vehicle that is left sitting most of the time will need its oil changed just as regularly, if not more so, than a car that is driven every day.

This is because the oil will start to deteriorate quicker in a vehicle that doesn’t spend much time on the road. If the engine isn’t given a chance to reach its optimal temperature, it won’t get hot enough to burn off the water vapor that is produced during the combustion process. That water vapor will eventually mix with the oil and form a milky sludge.

Having your oil changed at the right frequency is one of the most important things you can do to help extend the life of your car. If you’re in need of a reliable auto shop to take care of all your vehicle maintenance needs, contact Privitt Auto Service Center. Offering more than five decades of experience, they have earned a solid reputation for providing the residents of Columbia, MO, with high-quality services that keep their cars running at peak performance. Their team of trained technicians has the skills necessary to work on both foreign and domestic vehicles. Call (573) 449-7941 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information on oil changes.