Oil Change Dublin OH

How Often Should I Be Changing the Oil in My Car?

Many car owners are aware oil changes need to happen to ensure the lasting performance and reliability of their vehicle’s engine. What’s less commonly known is how often these oil changes should take place.

Put simply, the easiest way to determine how frequent your oil changes should be performed is by referring to the owner’s manual. In the manual, there will be a service list that includes oil changes and other procedures.

The safest estimate for oil changes is to have one performed every 7,500 miles. At that point, your vehicle’s motor oil will be wearing down but likely won’t have started hindering performance. Of course, each model is different. If you do a lot of towing, drive in heavy traffic, or have an engine with ample horsepower, your vehicle may need more frequent oil changes.

If you have questions, a member of our team will be happy to address them!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

The core responsibilities of motor oil revolve around the upkeep of the engine. One responsibility is to regulate temperature so your vehicle’s engine doesn’t get too hot. Another function is to collect dirt as it circulates under the hood before placing that dirt in the filter for easy removal.

Finally, motor oil lubricates all the working bits of machinery in the engine. Not only does the lubrication enhance performance, but it also helps increase the lifespan of each part.

Signs I Need an Oil Change

Your car will begin to let you know when it needs an oil change—you just need to keep your eye out for the indicators. Most modern cars have a helpful oil change warning light on the dashboard. If this symbol appears, typically as a leaking oil can, it means your vehicle requires an oil change.

Other indicators your car requires an oil change mostly revolve around performance. Notice a recent dip in the fuel economy of your vehicle? Not accelerating quite as fast as it normally does? Hear clanking sounds or another noise coming from the engine? There’s a chance that worn motor oil is the culprit behind these suspicious activities.