If you want to maximize your vehicle’s performance, you’ll need to have regular oil changes. But how often should you have this service done? While some drivers say it should be completed every 3,000 miles, the actual amount will depend on your car’s specific needs. To learn more about when you should change your oil, consider the guide below.

A Helpful Guide to Oil Changes

Types of Motor Oil

Engine oil comes in several varieties to match the needs of different vehicles, which are as follows:

• Full Synthetic: For vehicles that require high levels of lubrication for peak performance.
• Synthetic Blend: Similar lubricating properties of full synthetic motor oil, but at a lower price. Uses artificial and conventional oils to reduce oxidation.
• Conventional: This is the most common motor oil on the market used for late-model cars with simple engine designs. 
• High Mileage: Best for cars with more than 75,000 miles. It’s used to reduce oil consumption, seepage, and emissions.

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will recommend the ideal motor oil for the make and model. However, if you want to have extended periods between oil changes, choose synthetic oil. This is because it operates at higher temperatures.

New cars working with this type of oil can be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months. Conventional oil does not have the same quality as the synthetic variety, so it may need to be changed more often and follow the every-3,000-miles rule.

Highway Driving vs. Start-Stop Traffic

How you drive also determines how often you get oil changes. Frequent, short trips under 10 miles and driving in stop-and-go traffic won’t allow your motor oil to warm up thoroughly. As a result, condensation forms and the oil becomes contaminated with moisture and impurities, losing its ability to protect the engine.

However, frequent highway driving for longer distances will give the oil the chance to warm, which usually allows it to last longer. Before you create a schedule for oil changes, consider your daily driving habits.

No matter when you need an oil change, you can count on the professionals at Puma’s Auto Care to get the job done right. Located in Brooklyn, NY, this full-service auto repair shop can handle everything from transmission service to tune-ups to car inspections. Their skilled mechanics operate with the highest industry standards to keep vehicles in peak condition. Call (718) 272-6306 to schedule an appointment today, or visit them online for more details.