How Often Should You Have Your Oil Changed?

A simple solution is to just bring your car in for assessment! We've got your back, and our qualified technician will have all of your oil change concerns addressed in a matter of minutes and provide you with a professional opinion you can trust. Go ahead and schedule below, and don't forget to check out our service specials while you're at it!

If you don't have time to bring your car in just yet, or you just want to be more informed about what unique needs your ride may have, read on! We want you to have access to as much knowledge about getting oil changes you could possibly desire. Getting your oil changed is one of the easiest yet essential types of service you can have performed on your vehicle. But, how often does it have to be changed? It can be a tricky question, mostly because there's no blanket answer that applies to every car make and model. Don't let that intimidate you though! We're here to provide the most important factors to consider when determining whether it's time for an oil change:

1. Oil Change Rules:

• Car models from before 2008 should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles.
• Car models from 2008 or a few years after should get it changed every 5,000-7,500 miles.
• Cars made several years after 2008 should be safe to get it changed every 7,500-10,000 miles.
• If you drive aggressively you might want to change it sooner rather than later.
• Dealing with a lot of stop and go traffic can reduce the amount of time between necessary oil changes.
• Cold weather shortens the lifespan of your oil, so be vigilant during the winter months.
• For newer car models, your service warning lights on the console will let you know when it's time.
• The owner's manual is a readily available resource valuable oil change guidelines for your vehicle.
• Always get your oil checked when you bring your car in for a service about every 6 months just to be sure!

2. 3,000 Miles: Fact Or Fiction?

"Get your oil changed after 3,000 miles" was once the mantra of mechanics and car owners everywhere. Today, however, things are different. While 3,000 miles was an adequate guideline for older cars, mechanics are mostly in consensus today that the number has risen for most models manufactured in the year 2008 or later. The reason for this is that both engine and oil technology have since improved. The newly recommended mileage is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,500, although older models should stick to a lower threshold, like 5,000. Six months is a good general time frame so that you can also have your car inspected for other services it may need.

3. Conditions Of The Commute

Experts also say that the way you drive and the climate you live in can also affect how often you should get your oil changed. For instance, aggressive drivers in heavy stop-and-go traffic or urban conditions may need to change their vehicle's oil more frequently than passive drivers who set the cruise control on open stretches of highway. A city-dweller might also need to have their oil changed more frequently because the repeated starting and stopping as well as short driving distance can strain the engine without giving the oil a chance to warm up enough to work at full capacity. Colder climates also result in poor oil-functionality for the same reason.

4. Technology Talks

Modern Hondas come equipped with maintenance reminders, so you always know when you need to change your car's oil. An indicator light illuminates on the console of warning alerts to inform the driver when the oil has only 15 percent of its useful life remaining. Modern synthetic oils are designed to go longer distance intervals between changes. Many synthetic oils are rated for 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes, so if your Honda's warning light goes off a significantly earlier than that, it may be an indicator of a malfunctioning sensor, or perhaps a more serious problem. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to bring your car in for a check-up!

5. Check Your Owner's Manual

Many of us have experienced the sensation of driving a car that is freshly washed and waxed. It's the same car it was before the wash, but it faster and more responsive. The same can be true when it comes to changing your oil. You might feel like the car runs better, but there is no need to change the oil more than necessary. The best idea is to trust your manufacturer's judgment. Nobody knows your car better than the ones who designed and built it! Check your owner's manual to figure out when your particular model should have its oil changed, along with other routine services, especially if you're getting conflicting information.

Regular service is necessary to maintain the value of your new car, and to keep your pre-owned vehicle in top condition. There are a lot of benchmarks and numbers floating around regarding when you should have certain services performed on your car, particularly when you should have your oil changed. Debates as to how often you should get your oil changed have only escalated since the introduction of synthetic oil to the market, but the following points will help you decide for yourself whether or not you should bring your car in for service.

Quick change companies propel the need for oil changes sooner than later because it's in their interest. The more frequently you come in, they more money they make. These are mainly general suggestions to give you more well-informed opinion of when you should schedule your next oil change. As always, consult a professional for the expert opinion on your specific vehicle and its service schedule.