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One of the easiest ways to keep your car in peak condition is regular maintenance, especially oil changes. Oil keeps all the engine’s moving parts lubricated, preventing them from grinding together and creating harmful heat. However, there are a lot of conflicting opinions about how often you should get your oil changed. Follow the guide below to learn more about this process.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

While the rule of thumb was once every 3,000 miles, cars and oil blends have grown more efficient. Now, you can usually go anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 miles on one oil change. However, you should rely on your owner’s manual and mechanic’s advice to determine the best schedule for your car. If your vehicle is older, it’s advisable to check the oil dipstick more frequently, as leaks or burning oil are more common.

oil changeThere are some factors that increase the necessary frequency of oil changes. If you do most of your driving in short trips through town instead of long highway drives, you may need new oil more often. That’s because brief trips don’t fully warm up the engine, so the oil won’t achieve as thin a viscosity. That makes it more prone to breaking down and vaporization.

What Type of Oil Should You Choose?

You may be wondering what the difference between conventional and synthetic oil is. Convention oil is derived from petroleum, while synthetic has additives to improve viscosity and increase life span. While synthetic usually offers a longer interval between changes, it comes with a higher initial cost. The choice is up to you—just make sure the oil grade matches the manufacturer recommendation.

 

Get your oil changed and your car questions answered by the team at M & R Automotive Service Center in Geneseo, NY. For more than two decades, they’ve provided regular car maintenance such as fluid flushes, brake replacements, and AC repair. They also offer a complimentary engine diagnostic with every oil change. Schedule yours online or call (585) 243-1201.

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