How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

In order to keep your vehicle at its best, routine maintenance is key. In the past, you may have heard your friends and neighbors in Wheeling recommending an oil change every 3,000 miles. While that was once the prevailing oil change frequency, advancements in car care and automotive design have changed things a bit. 

7,500-10,000 miles is a broad guideline that can help you get a better sense of when your Moundsville ride may be due for service. However, certain driving habits and road conditions can cause a vehicle to require a higher oil change frequency. If the following describe you, visit us near Steubenville for more regular oil changes:

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

If you own a vehicle that utilizes synthetic oil, you can typically wait a bit longer before an oil change is needed. But, how often should you change your oil if you use synthetic? The range for a synthetic oil change varies greatly based on make and model. Usually, a synthetic oil change will need to be conducted sometime between 6,000 and 16,000 miles. With such a large variance, it is good to check with our expert team if you are unsure when your last oil change occurred.

Fresh, clean oil is absolutely essential for a vehicle to run properly. Oil lubricates the moving parts inside the engine, which prevents friction and potential overheating. Oil also works to capture debris that makes its way into the engine and carries it to the filter. Over time, the filter and oil will become riddled with contaminants making them both ineffective. If you decide to neglect oil changes, you will begin to see the following red flags:

• Check engine and/or oil change lights are turned on 
• Odd knocking sound coming from the engine
• Dirty and dark oil
• Smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe 
• Overheating engine 

Before you stop by for your next oil change, you can explore these service tips:

• Oil changes should be conducted at least twice a year, even on idle models. Oil breaks down over time, even if a car isn’t being driven. 
• Make sure a fresh oil filter is swapped in every time you have an oil change. Our parts team can help you find one if you are taking on a DIY oil change in your Triadelphia garage. 
• Unsure if you need to use synthetic oil or conventional oil? Your owner’s manual will have all the details you need. 

Taking a few minutes to check your oil level every month will go a long way towards protecting your vehicle. Frequent checks can help detect any leaks or issues in the oil system. Be sure to examine the color and keep an eye out for any floating metal particles. Changes in the color and metallic contaminants can be symptomatic of serious issues. If you are low on oil or notice the problems listed above, schedule service with us straight away.

We offer affordable everyday prices and rotating service coupons on our popular maintenance and repair tasks to help our customers save. If you need help with oil change questions, contact us for individualized guidance!