How Frequently Should You Change Your Oil?

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by: DirkGibson
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The evolution of the automobile has been amazing. From the early rickety models to modern computer controlled versions, things have changed a lot. That being said, friction and heat are still a threat to any car engine and have to be managed.

As any car owner well knows, lubricant is the best tool for fighting the ravages of friction and heat. This lubricant is, of course, better known as motor oil and it performs a vital function that keeps your car on the road.

Oil is an amazing substance. It can take an absolute thrashing in the harsh environment of an engine and yet still keep friction and heat at bay. After a bit, however, even oil will fail and thus must be changed out.

What answer immediately popped into your mind? I bet it was that the oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Right? Somewhere, an oil marketing executive has a big grin on their face.

Do you really think you need to automatically change you oil every 3 months? What if you only drove the car once during that period? The simple truth is every car faces different circumstances and thus needs oil changed at different times.

Why is there no one guideline? Well, consider a construction worker with a big truck who hauls tons of materials. Now consider a school teacher who drives to school and back. Which engine is going to be more stressed and need the oil changed more frequently?

Still, we need some type of guideline right? Well, you have one. For men, this will be painful. Yes, we will have to read directions. In the owners manual for the car, we can find the information for the specific needs of our vehicle.

The manufacturer is actually going to designate a number of things regarding the oil. Yes, the number of miles between recommended changes will be there, but so will the weight of oil to be used and the recommended oil brand.

Whatever you do, stick religiously to the weight recommended for the oil by the manufacturer. The specific brand can be ignored. Castrol, Pennzoil and so on all work well enough.

If you can, try to go with synthetic oil for your car. They last much longer. A Mini Cooper, for instance, will go up to 17,000 miles between oil changes running on Castrol Synthetic. Not bad, eh?

A personal favorite of mine is Mobile 1. I've used this for years after a racing mechanic recommended it to me. I have to say I have experienced no engine problems since then and I drive a Jaguar! Pretty miraculous, eh?

Do not be a chump. Avoid obeying the marketing slogans of various oil change businesses. Pull out that owners manual and get the truth on oil changes for your car. You will undoubtedly save some money on less frequent changes.

About the Author

If you want great deals on your auto parts, visit DCJAutoParts.com.

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