How often should I get an oil change?

Most oil change places suggest every 3 months, or 3,000 miles. I've got a second car that isn't driven too much and usually doesn't reach 3k miles until about 6 months or so. Should I still be getting an oil change every 3 months?How often should I get an oil change?
I grew up with the understanding that you should change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. I think that still should be followed with older vehicles.



These days, however, with the more modern vehicles and better oil formulas, it is more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Most vehicle computers are programmed to let you know when it is time (a "Service Engine Soon" or "Change Oil Soon" light will appear), depending on driving habits and conditions. Check your owners manual to see when yours is recommended.
Read your owner's manual. It will say what to do. Likely it will say the normal intervals are 5000/6months.



However, if you're not reaching mileage, You can probably safely go 1year between oil changes.



The 3months/3k miles is bad information for modern cars and you are wasting money (as well as natural resources) by over maintaining your car.How often should I get an oil change?
The 3,000 mile myth was started by big oil the late 1970s. It was started for no other reason than to make money. If you have the kind of money Exxon and Texaco have, you can buy enough advertising to convince people of anything.



Most automobile owners manuals say to change the oil every 7,500 miles under normal driving. Just check your manual and spread the word.
On my wife's Lexus it's changed when the on-board computer says it's time. Typically about every 7500 miles. On my Jeep that used bouncing around the desert back roads it's changed every 3000 miles along with the air filter.How often should I get an oil change?
if your not driving in humid or dusty conditions just wait till u hit the 3000 miles,,Art

p.s.

oil does not go bad from just sitting

How do you reset the miles on the dash of a Mini Cooper after oil change?

A coworker recently purchased a Mini Cooper (2004). She just took it in for an oil change and the local garage does not know how to reset the dash to reflect the miles for the next oil change. How do you do this?How do you reset the miles on the dash of a Mini Cooper after oil change?
After completing the required maintenance, the service indicator may be reset as follows:



Place the ignition switch in the Off position.

Press and hold TRIP RESET button, then place ignition switch in the On position.

Keep button depressed until Oil Service or Inspection is displayed, then release the button.

Press and hold TRIP RESET button for 5 seconds until RST is displayed.

While display is blinking, press button to reset service interval.

The new service interval will be displayed for 5 seconds.

Place ignition switch in Off position.

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Although a quick check through the Owner's Manual did not show this procedure, you may want to go here;

https://ol.miniusa.com/Default.aspx

and download it for future reference. Or if it's not free from there, let me know, and I can try to figure out where I got my copy, or e-mail you one.How do you reset the miles on the dash of a Mini Cooper after oil change?
Resetting Oil Service Light on your 2002 - 2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S, and 2007 - 2008 MINI Convertibles:



1) Press and hold the trip button

2) Insert key and turn to position 1

3) Watch for RESET to appear

4) Release the button, then press %26amp; hold it again

5) Wait for the RESET to flash

6) Release the button, and then press %26amp; release (once only)

7) Service interval should then be reset to next interval



If that didn't work, try this:



1. Push the Trip Button

2. Turn ignition key to position 1 and 51A will appear to left of mileage

3. Release trip button

4. Wait 3 seconds

5. Push trip button

6. Wait (5-8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner

7. Release trip button

8. Push trip button

9. 15000 will appear as new service interval

10. Release trip buttonHow do you reset the miles on the dash of a Mini Cooper after oil change?
Should be a little plastic push button indicator on steering wheel that list oil change mileage or % of oil vistoscity.

Oil change?

what kind of oil should i use in my 05 lancer. it has 12000 miles on itOil change?
I use full synthetic oil in all of my vehicles and they all have over 100000 miles and no signs of wear. check your owners manual for a specific oil and weight " 5w-30" full synthetic oils are suppose to give a little better fuel economy.Oil change?
your late should have change it alreadyOil change?
Any Synthetic will do just fine and like the other guy said, check your Owner's Manual for intervals and proper oil weight. Take care of your car and will last you well over 100,000 easily.
I recommned using Catrol Syntec 10W-40 oil. Synthetic oil burns better and provides better lubrication to the different parts of the engine. Compared to conventional oil if you are using synthetic oil you can find leaks easier using synthetic oil which if taken care of now can prevent serious damage to the engine later on. Also with the 10W-40 oil this viscosity is suitable for both warm and cold weather, which helps provide quick and easy starts.



Hope this helps!

Oil change?

I CHANGED MY OIL IN MY CAR RECENTLY AND WHEN I DRAINED IT IT WAS LIKE A SYRUP,NOT LIKE THAT OF CLEAN OIL THOUGH.CHANGED IT AND NEEDED A NEW SUMP PLUG ,WHEN I QUICKLY CHANGED THE SUMP THERE WAS STILL THIS FILTHY SYRUP COMING OUT.MY QUESTION IS ,IS THERE SUCH THING AS AN ENGINE OIL CLEANER YOU PUT INTO YOUR ENGINE?THANKS AND DONT FORGET I AM A GIRL(LOL)Oil change?
Hi there...Engine oil is designed to entrap the carbon,the acids,the airborne dirt plus water to a certain extent.

So after say 5 to 10 thousand klm the oil can be a dark brown to a black... this is normal.

don't forget to change the oil filter ?... hope this helped
You can get an engine flush from most car diy stores.



Bear in mind that you should change the oil when it is hot as it will heat up and become more fluid (viscos).



Don't worry about being a girl- my wife can't even top up her screen wash so you are doing well!!!Oil change?
If the oil has not been changed regularly, run for a month (1,000/1500 miles) and change it again, don't forget to change the oil filter at the same time. Then change oil %26amp; oil filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months.
you really don't need to use a flush in the engine, just do a couple quick oil changes, drive 2,000 miles and change the oil and oil filter and do another 2,000 mile oil change and filter.



I have hear mobil clean 5000 motor oil does a really good job of cleaning the engine. it is only 8.97 for the 5 qt jug at walmartOil change?
There are "Engine Flushes" out there that you can add to your oil before changing the oil. In my experience they do work but they are expensive and probably not really necessary.

My advice would be to change the oil again in another 1000 miles, then again at 2000 miles. Remember to change the oil filter at the same time.

Ja.
maby you should use better winter rated oil the first number is winter rating and second number when its at operating temprature 10w is like syrup when cold, 5w or 0w will flow better and atleast change oil every 3000 miles if think this problum and use good oil filter and oil
I'M A GIRL TOO AND I CAN DO THIS, SO ITS NO MORE COMPLICATED FOR US TO DO IT THAN GUYS!

IF YOU DONT UNDERSTAND IT ENOUGH TO KNOW WHAT TO DO THEN TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY YOU THINK GIRLS ARE NOT CAPABLE!
If you go to somewhere like Halfords, they sell various engine flushing treatments. Follow the instructions on the bottle, most of them aren't supposed to be in the engine for as long as regular oil, maybe 1000 miles. Then change the oil %26amp; filter again.

That should clear up the gunk!
like someone else said there is what is called engine flushes, im waiting on my oil filter and oil "Mobil Super S 10w-40 arriving but have already recieved the "ACP ENGINE OIL SYSTEM CLEANER FLUSH TREATMENT", this will be the first time ive used this but considering it only costs 拢7 off ebay i would say its definitely worth a try, heres the info about the product:



ACP



ENGINE OIL



FLUSH



FOR PETROL / DIESEL VEHICLES



Cleans the lubrication system internally

Neutralises Acids in old oil

Prevents contamination of fresh oil by residues

Helps free sticking hydraulic valve lifters and piston rings

Anti-wear additives to help protect engine surfaces during cleaning

Not an oil based product like FORTE, WYNS,REDEX you can't clean old oil with new effectively old oil has to be removed with a solvent based cleaner

will not harm gaskets and seals

Removes harmful sludge %26amp; deposits

Improves compression ratios ungums piston rings

Can be used with petrol or diesel engines and motorbikes

Just empty the whole can into your engine oil system (can has a ring pull lid)

For best results run vehicle for 20 mins with cleaner in

Stop engine and change the oil and filter DO NOT DRIVE

Watch the oil come out as thin as water

unlike other products out there this actually WORKS

Why put clean oil into Dirty engine ?

This product can not be purchased on the High Street it is used in garages as a high strength engine oil flush so when a customer picks their car up and checks the oil its clean and free of old oil.

traffic school

Oil change?

If I don't remember exactly when I last changed the oil in my car or how many miles it was, how do I know when my car needs it again?Oil change?
Check your oil- if the oil is low on the dip stick or very dark you need to get it changed asap.
If you can't remember when, then it's probably time. I'd suggest opening the hood and pulling out the dipstick. If the oil is black and murky, then change it. If it's slightly golden with a honey look to it, then you could wait another month. Also check the level...

Depending on what you use for oil...stadard oil = 3 months, 3000 miles. Synthetic = 5 months, 5000 miles. Are you doing this yourself? Make sure you use a good quality oil filter.Oil change?
If you cannot remember its time to change it. Its far cheaper to change oil than to buy parts.
You should keep records of when you do any maintenance. It is just go to know information. If you change your own oil, write it down and keep it in your owner's manual. Keep track of air, oil, fuel filters also. If you have it done make sure to keep the receipts.Oil change?
Go ahead and change it. Then add 3000 miles to the mleage you have right now. Then write the answer on a yellow sticky, then tape it to the upper left corner of your windshield, on the inside. Now when your miles approach than answer, you'll remember to get the oil changed.
It does, if you cant remember the last time - its way past due.



Get off the computer and get in the garage......LOL
Generally every 3 to 5000 miles is the rule of thumb. Pull the oil dipstick, if the color is a caramel, you are ok. If it's black, change it.



Change it now anyway and make sure you keep track of it.



Good luck!

Oil Change?

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with a 4.0L V6 enigine, with about 62,000 miles on it. I recently changed my oil using a K%26amp;N high flow oil filter and Quaker State full synthetic motor oil. My question is, how long can I go in between changes, or is the 3,000 mile maxim still true?Oil Change?
I think the 3,000 miles is a scam to make people go more often and spend more money.



I'd wait till about 5,000 miles, but keep checking it yourself to make sure it's not running low, if it is, just add a little more oil yourself.
i believe the synthetic oils last longer. i would ask aroundOil Change?
No, usually you can at least double the time to change your oil. Check the label on the synthetic to be sure. Synthetic has much better properties than regular oil.
That's kind of catch 22 isn't it,

you want extended change interval's but you are using a high flow filter.

High flow is for hot rods, premium high filtration is for extended run time.Oil Change?
I have the same engine same filter and I use the same oil. I go 5000 miles between oil chabges and I have 250,000 miles on my truck. I have used that oil andK %26amp;N fillter since I bought the truck new in 95
I change oil every 10,000 and the filter every 5,000. I have well over 200.000 on my GMC with no problems. I use Mobil one and a A/C filter.
Once your car is out of warranty, you may want to go by the oil change intervals allowed by the synthetic oil manufacturer. Note however that they assume your engine is in good condition and running properly so that excess contaminants are not building up in the oil. Also, they assume your oil filter is rated to the number of miles between oil changes. Sometimes a manufacturer's power train warranty is good to 100,000 miles, so make sure you don't have to obey your manufacturer's oil change interval to maintain your warranty. Mobil One's new extended life synthetic oil is rated for 15,000 mile oil changes if you really want to go the limit between changes. I've used Mobil One for 27 years in all my cars, and currently go 8,000 miles between changes.
Yes, that is for your own protection. It's either 3,000 miles or 30 days, whichever comes first.
i run 10 to 12 thousand with synthetic,it depends on you vehicle use as well.

i have done oil sample testing and not seen any extra wear

my s10 4cylinder has over 350,000 kms now
3k maxim is still good
The 3000 miles recommendation is based on typical use of regular oil.

Unless you are drag racing or doing a similar abuse on your vehicle, you can be very confident that the synthetic oil you are using can go to 10,000 miles without any oil degradation.



The oil itself could go for 50,000 miles, on optimum conditions. (fewer start ups, no towing, etc. ) but oil contamination, instead of oil degradation, would be a concern.)



You also should be aware that, If your vehicle is burning some oil, you must maintain the oil level by adding some oil when needed.



My preference is to use non-synthetic oil with frequent changes, especially on used vehicles like yours.
3000 to 4000.

above 5000 you are on Your own



when You let go too much time, be twin oil changes, a film of sludge is building inside the engine(oil gallery)

so, at any moment a piece of that sludge will get loose and bye ,bye engine.



I have rebuild many(thousand of )engines gas and diesel, and many times gas engines have that ink naughty sludge. that come from the oil overdue.



be careful also with the synthetic, because the natural oil wear out into sludge but

synthetic it just collapse



diesel oil change goes at 10,000 to 12,000 but is different type of engine( sort of self lubricated fuel.)
With the advances in technology, 3000 miles/ 3 months is somewhat going away on the newer vehicles. Better oils, filters, vehicles, etc. make for more efficient vehicles. My vehicle has a sensor that tells me when it is time to change the oil. Basically, it monitors the oil and the filter, and lets me know when it is needed.



Diesals can usually go 7000 miles on an oil change, but I don't think that applies to you.



It all really depends on your driving habits. If you drive a lot of highway miles, you will get more miles out of your oil. If you sit in bumper to bumper, stop and go traffic everyday, you will get less miles out of your oil.



But, if you're vehicle doesn't have any of the new stuff out there, the 3000 mile rule isn't a bad one to follow. You may spend a little extra on oil and filters throughout the year, but you may save money on repairs down the road as well.



*Added* I have never made it past 4500 miles without the sensor telling me I need to change my oil. I do a lot of highway driving.
on synthetic oil, you can go easily 10,000 miles.

Now, stop using quaker state, as it, like penzoil still have parrafin wax in it. you dont want your engine gummed up.

use castrol or valvoline, you won't have any problems.

there's no reason to use the k%26amp;n oil filter, its benefits will not help you at all. Go and get a Motorcraft FL-820a, it is a purolator Pure One at a $3.99 price. It's a very high quality filter. Stay away from Fram.
usually around 7500 for a good quality synthetic.i dont trust quaker state cause theyre conventional oil would break down at 1500 miles,leaving 1500 miles of damage to your engine between oil changes.what breaks down is the lubricating properties of the oil itself.as the oil breaks down it also becomes acidic and will start to eat your piston rings etc. synthetis have a more uniform protective layer will provides a better barrier against damage.but as to how well quaker state works,im doubtful.i only pour castrol,mobil,or penzoil ( which uses a different formulation than quaker ) in my engine. a ranger i sold because i was tired of buying transmissions from racing it had 182k miles on it,original.and engine was still running strong.why do ya think i was able to break tranny's so easy.

Oil Change?

My car was terribly low on oil (I'm bad, I know). It was also very much in need of an oil change (also bad, I know). Well, since it was so low on oil, I dumped a quart in it the other day. My questions is whether or not I still need to get an oil change.



Thanks in advance to those who respond!!!Oil Change?
Yes! Cause you probably need a filter also. I go to the oil places that have a 15 point check system since I am woman and know little about cars. That way they put in windshield wiper fliud, check my tires and all that good stuff for roughly 35 to 40 bucks.
yes you should the filter is probly clogged

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Oil Change?
Yes it may have been low on oil but it was not low on dirt........
Yes, you still have 3 or 4 quarts of old oil (not to mention the old filter) in there.Oil Change?
eep!!!

bad bad bad bad bad :(

you MUST do oil changes every 5,000km. (or every 3 months) which ever is first.



by running your eninge low on oil you are putting everything on stress. the main bearings especially as well as anything that is kept lubricated, cooled and rotated inside the motor. (ok main bearings, cam bearings, even the rocker assebly, all the crankpin journals and the list goes on) as well as the cam, crank and rear main seals (oil pump seal if it has one) basically will make your motor leak from every end.

you dont want to do this. and "re-topping" up the oil isnt a great idea, because all the old burnt up oil will contaminate the new fresh oil, and nothing will ever get filtered by the dirty old filter and everything in the end will end up at the oil pick up. and then your oil light will never go off because you have no oil pressure and GRAAAHh!!! the list goes on!

do an oil change and oil filter change every 5,000km. if you can, i advise you to do an engine flush (if your car has done over 100,000km)

it will reduce friction and clean it out well. (but its your choise. if you do a engine flush treatment, all the garbage can still end up at your pick up, so its best to keep redoing engine flushes to get rid of the garbage. or in the wirst case, sump out, and clean out the pick up.) you are more than welcome to contact me i can help you with step by step. it is a small job to start with. if you are keen to do the job right and save money, its the best way to go.
hi.changing your cars engine oil means you are giving it a longer life to serve you.it is a must so the whole engine inside is clean. dont wait for your car to conk out on you.do it now.
Motor- eyes,told you ever thing you need to know and then some.....motor-eyes your my hero... your good!
Changing engine oil between 3000 - 5000 miles running is still considered the best practice. By doing so you will never come to a point where your oil level depletes so low. Also it will pay you in the long run by keeping your engine in prime condition. You should also change the filter at every alternate

oil change. Considering the state your car is in now, better change the oil and filter as well.
you need to get it changed right away or you'll be walking, an oil change is alot cheaper then a new motor,