How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

If you drive around Giddings often, you probably wonder how often you should change your oil. The standard recommendation for oil change frequency used to be every 3,000 miles. However, with the advancements of modern vehicles over the past several years, that recommendation is now closer to 7,000 to 10,000 miles. The more exact number depends on your vehicle’s age, type, and other factors. See if you’re due for an oil change and then see about visiting the service department at Oviedo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT.

Oil Change Frequency

While the standard frequency recommendation for an oil change is between 7,000 to 10,000 miles, some vehicles may need a change sooner or later than that. Here are some factors that will affect how often you should change your oil:

• Off-road use
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

These factors can have an impact on your oil change frequency, but you should always check your owner’s manual if you are completely unsure of how often you should change your oil.

What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Your car needs clean oil to operate smoothly. Here’s why: the oil acts as a lubricant that moves your engine parts around without friction or overheating. Oil also collects debris and other dirt and metal particles as it moves through the engine. The oil carries this unnecessary debris to the oil filter. As time passes, the oil becomes filled with dirt and particles and becomes too dense, and this is why it needs change. If you put off that oil change for too long, you might notice the following:

• Check engine light or change oil light comes on
• Unusual sounds coming from the engine
• Abnormal color and texture in the oil
• Smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe
• Overheating engine

To ensure your vehicle runs like new on the Smithville roads, check your owner’s manual to see when you should change your oil. Get the most out of every service by taking advantage of our ongoing service specials at Oviedo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT.

Oil Change Tips

Here are even more tips and tricks to help you know how often you should change your oil:

• Just because you don’t drive your car through Weimer often, you should still get your oil changed regularly.
• Try to aim for an oil change at least twice a year. Oil breaks down even when you’re not using your car.
• Make sure you have the oil filter replaced every time you get an oil change.
• If you’re not sure whether to use synthetic or conventional oil, your owner’s manual will tell you.

For those drivers that love to do it themselves, we make it easy to order parts online.

When Should I Check My Oil Level?

To keep an eye out for any leaks or problems with your vehicle’s oil, you should check your oil at least once a month. What should you look for when checking your oil level? Mostly, try to be aware of the texture of the oil. Try to see if it looks thicker, darker, or if there are any metallic parts in the oil.

Get Your Next Oil Change at Oviedo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT

Now that you have an idea of what your oil change frequency should be, you can turn to our service center in La Grange to change your oil and get you back on the road in no time. Contact us to schedule a service at Oviedo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT.