Why getting your oil changed regularly is so important!

Just like our bodies need blood to function, your vehicle needs oil. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and if you run out of oil, your engine is going to be in big trouble! In the following article, we’ll take a look at why your oil and changing your oil is so essential!

Everything You Wanted to Know About Engine Oil

The recommended oil change interval is always a hot subject in the automotive industry as depending on who you ask, the times can vary quite a lot. If you check with a mechanic shop, they’ll most likely recommend every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. However, if you ask most mechanics and automotive repair shops, they’ll typically recommend every 5000 miles.

The easiest way to determine how often you should change your oil is by checking your vehicle’s manual and seeing what it recommends. If you buy a new car and it has a warranty, it will typically set out how often you have to get your oil changed.

When you look in your vehicle’s manual, it will typically have oil change recommendations for both normal driving and severe driving.

Normal Driving Verses Severe Driving

It’s not always easy to break down what’s considered normal driving and what’s considered severe driving. However, it’s essential to understand that severe driving doesn’t mean you’re racing your vehicle.

Typically, severe driving includes one or more of the following:

Driving your vehicle in freezing temperatures.
Driving your vehicle in extreme heat conditions.
Driving consistently in stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Frequently taking short trips under 10 miles.
Towing a trailer or frequently using roof racks or cargo toppers.
Driving in mountain conditions.
Driving on roads where de-icers or salt are frequently used.

If you’re operating your vehicle in any of these scenarios, and chances are high that you are, then your regular driving probably falls into the severe category. If so, then your vehicle may require that you get your oil changed more frequently, especially if your vehicle is still under warranty.

The last thing you want is to void your warranty on your vehicle because you haven’t got the oil changed at the correct intervals.

It’s also important to understand what type of oil you need and what type of filter. If your vehicle recommends a specific type of oil and filter, that’s what you should use. Likewise, if you’re getting your vehicle serviced at a professional oil change company or automotive company, then they should be aware of what type of oil your vehicle needs, what type of oil filter, and how often your vehicle needs its oil changed.