Ask any number of automobile owners and they will tell you that one of the most important things they do to maintain their car is get regular oil changes. However, when you ask them what regular means, you will likely get a wide spectrum of answers. So, how important are regular oil changes, and what's the correct frequency? This article will discuss those questions and more!
Conventional Wisdom
There's a prevailing belief that there is a standard number of miles a car should go before it needs another oil change. That quantity is 3,000 miles, according to common knowledge. When you get your oil changed, many service providers will even put a sticker on your windshield with a calculation for when you need your next oil change, based on the conventional belief. So, should 3,000 miles still be the standard?
Overwhelmingly, modern expert sources will tell you that the 3,000 number might be out of date, depending on a variety of factors. Newer cars are more efficient and possibly don't need their oil changed as frequently. For instance, many user manuals of cars built after 2005 will say the range in which to change your car's oil is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. That's a big difference. If you drive your car 30,000 miles over the course of a year, you will need 10 oil changes based on the 3,000-mile rule. However, if you extend to 5,000 miles, you will only require six oil changes.
Another factor to consider is what type of oil is best for your vehicle. If you use synthetic oil, you may be able to go far more then 5,000 miles in between changes. The many types of oil is something we can address in another article. The bottom line here is that you should consult your owner's manual and expert sources rather than rely on conventional wisdom.
Electric and Hybrid Powertrains
The presence of electric and hybrid powertrains on the road continues to increase, and more Americans have switched or are considering a switch. Said automobiles may require less frequent oil changes, or no oil changes at all. The theme continues to be looking at your vehicle's owner's manual and doing some research to find out what your specific vehicle requires.
The oil change business is still huge in America. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. oil change service industry had a market size of $7.48 billion in 2022. Most Americans drive cars that require oil changes, and regular changes are a critical part of keeping the car running smoothly and extending its life. However, as highlighted in this article, you shouldn't just trust conventional wisdom when considering how frequently to get your oil changed. Give our expert team a call today to schedule your oil change or to learn more about this process!