How often you need an oil change depends largely on the age of your vehicle and the kind of motor oil it uses as well as your regular driving conditions and driving habits. Here\u2019s a look at what you need to know about oil changes so you can plan ahead and not risk irreparable damage to your vehicle\u2019s engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Do Most Vehicles Typically Need an Oil Change?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMotor oil powers a vehicle\u2019s engine, lubricating all of its moving parts and protecting it from corrosion. Changing the motor oil helps clear away harmful deposits that could damage the engine, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a nutshell, regular oil changes lead to smoother rides and a healthier engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to AAA, most vehicles typically need an oil change every 3,000 miles<\/a> or six months to a year if it isn\u2019t driven around too much. While more modern engines can stretch it a bit further to an interval between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, fully-synthetic motor oil can get your vehicle as far as 15,000 miles without an oil change.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to know when your car needs an oil change, check the owner\u2019s manual. It should give you a mileage estimate, the oil type you should use, and a time recommendation. The owner\u2019s manual will also let you know when your car and its tires<\/a> need maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Old Is Your Car?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe most basic, modern cars, trucks, and SUVs typically have simple warning light systems that monitor engine health. They include an oil pressure symbol \u2013 typically an oil lamp \u2013 that glows red when you need an oil change<\/strong>. Newer models might have more advanced oil-life monitoring systems that analyze the vehicle\u2019s operating conditions, shortening the oil change interval<\/a> after heavy-duty use.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a closer look at how your car\u2019s age impacts oil change frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newer Vehicles<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your vehicle\u2019s new and still under warranty, you\u2019ll likely take it to the dealership when you reach specific mileage intervals for required inspections and service maintenance, which includes oil changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a high-end model, it may be equipped with a built-in oil-life monitor that uses an algorithm, sensors, and software to calculate the motor oil\u2019s condition, adjusting the change intervals. It makes its calculations by gauging drive time, idle time, outside temperatures, and engine revs, displaying a percentage readout of the remaining oil life in the instrument cluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the oil-pressure warning symbol lights up red while you\u2019re driving or idle, it likely means you\u2019re out of oil or have a very serious engine issue, according to Car and Driver<\/em>. When that happens, head over to the dealership immediately to get it checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOlder Vehicles<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMileage determines when older cars, SUVs, and pickups need oil changes. Like newer models, older vehicles are typically serviced during routine maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you drive your vehicle at average speeds on Alabama or Louisiana\u2019s city streets, paved roads, and highways, you\u2019ll likely just need an oil change when you reach the next 3,000 to 5,000-mile interval. It may require severe service and more frequent oil changes if its use is more extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you drive an older, used vehicle<\/a>, you may want to consider looking at its history report to ensure its maintenance record\u2019s in top shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhether you drive a new vehicle or an older model, the service technician should reset the oil-life monitoring system when the oil\u2019s changed. You can also reset it yourself by following the instructions in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Motor Oil Do You Use?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"young](\"http:\/\/local.usagencies.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/do-i-need-to-change-my-cars-oil.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re driving a new vehicle, it may be tempting to pay for premium, extended-life synthetic oils to stretch your next oil change out to the 10,000 to 12,000-mile limit. Almost all new vehicles already use synthetic motor oil, so you may not need an upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By contrast, older vehicles can generally use synthetic motor oil or the conventional, petroleum-based kind. While synthetic oils are usually pricier, they have special additives that can enhance an older vehicle\u2019s performance, allowing it to go longer distances, resist extreme cold or heat, and filter out dirt and particulates better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission<\/a>, each one has a specific kind of motor oil that best suits it. Always check the owner\u2019s manual to make sure you\u2019re using the right one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Your Driving Conditions and Habits?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo you typically drive along flat, well-paved roadways in light-to-moderate, stop-and-go traffic? Do you use your vehicle to transport heavy items or to pull a trailer at peak traffic times, or do you drive in rural backroads often? Does it get extremely cold or hot in your area? And if it does, do you park your car inside a garage or keep it outside, exposed to the elements?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of these factors affect the use of your vehicle\u2019s motor oil. Extreme temperatures, continual stop-and-go driving, and pulling heavy loads require more work from the engine and its mechanisms, meaning you\u2019ll likely need an oil change sooner than a vehicle in normal driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do You Really Need an Oil Change When the Warning Light\u2019s On?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the oil lamp symbol on the instrument cluster is glowing solid red, yes, you do \u2014 right now. Waiting could cause irreparable damage to your vehicle\u2019s engine. Your best bet is to plan ahead and keep your vehicle in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At USAgencies, we\u2019ve got your car\u2019s best interests in mind. If you live in Alabama or Louisiana, we can help you find cheap car insurance with great coverage. Start your quote online<\/a> or giving us a call at 800-958-8545<\/a>, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable insurance advisors will help you choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you want to know when your car needs an oil change, check the owner\u2019s manual. It should give you a mileage estimate, the oil type you should use, and a time recommendation. The owner\u2019s manual will also let you know when your car and its tires<\/a> need maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most basic, modern cars, trucks, and SUVs typically have simple warning light systems that monitor engine health. They include an oil pressure symbol \u2013 typically an oil lamp \u2013 that glows red when you need an oil change<\/strong>. Newer models might have more advanced oil-life monitoring systems that analyze the vehicle\u2019s operating conditions, shortening the oil change interval<\/a> after heavy-duty use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a closer look at how your car\u2019s age impacts oil change frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your vehicle\u2019s new and still under warranty, you\u2019ll likely take it to the dealership when you reach specific mileage intervals for required inspections and service maintenance, which includes oil changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a high-end model, it may be equipped with a built-in oil-life monitor that uses an algorithm, sensors, and software to calculate the motor oil\u2019s condition, adjusting the change intervals. It makes its calculations by gauging drive time, idle time, outside temperatures, and engine revs, displaying a percentage readout of the remaining oil life in the instrument cluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the oil-pressure warning symbol lights up red while you\u2019re driving or idle, it likely means you\u2019re out of oil or have a very serious engine issue, according to Car and Driver<\/em>. When that happens, head over to the dealership immediately to get it checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mileage determines when older cars, SUVs, and pickups need oil changes. Like newer models, older vehicles are typically serviced during routine maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you drive your vehicle at average speeds on Alabama or Louisiana\u2019s city streets, paved roads, and highways, you\u2019ll likely just need an oil change when you reach the next 3,000 to 5,000-mile interval. It may require severe service and more frequent oil changes if its use is more extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you drive an older, used vehicle<\/a>, you may want to consider looking at its history report to ensure its maintenance record\u2019s in top shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you drive a new vehicle or an older model, the service technician should reset the oil-life monitoring system when the oil\u2019s changed. You can also reset it yourself by following the instructions in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re driving a new vehicle, it may be tempting to pay for premium, extended-life synthetic oils to stretch your next oil change out to the 10,000 to 12,000-mile limit. Almost all new vehicles already use synthetic motor oil, so you may not need an upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By contrast, older vehicles can generally use synthetic motor oil or the conventional, petroleum-based kind. While synthetic oils are usually pricier, they have special additives that can enhance an older vehicle\u2019s performance, allowing it to go longer distances, resist extreme cold or heat, and filter out dirt and particulates better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission<\/a>, each one has a specific kind of motor oil that best suits it. Always check the owner\u2019s manual to make sure you\u2019re using the right one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you typically drive along flat, well-paved roadways in light-to-moderate, stop-and-go traffic? Do you use your vehicle to transport heavy items or to pull a trailer at peak traffic times, or do you drive in rural backroads often? Does it get extremely cold or hot in your area? And if it does, do you park your car inside a garage or keep it outside, exposed to the elements?<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these factors affect the use of your vehicle\u2019s motor oil. Extreme temperatures, continual stop-and-go driving, and pulling heavy loads require more work from the engine and its mechanisms, meaning you\u2019ll likely need an oil change sooner than a vehicle in normal driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the oil lamp symbol on the instrument cluster is glowing solid red, yes, you do \u2014 right now. Waiting could cause irreparable damage to your vehicle\u2019s engine. Your best bet is to plan ahead and keep your vehicle in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At USAgencies, we\u2019ve got your car\u2019s best interests in mind. If you live in Alabama or Louisiana, we can help you find cheap car insurance with great coverage. Start your quote online<\/a> or giving us a call at 800-958-8545<\/a>, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable insurance advisors will help you choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Old Is Your Car?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Newer Vehicles<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Older Vehicles<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Motor Oil Do You Use?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Your Driving Conditions and Habits?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do You Really Need an Oil Change When the Warning Light\u2019s On?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n