How Often Should I Change My Oil

From a mechanic's viewpoint, this can differ from one shop to another. Some individuals suggest consulting your user manual, but is that really the most reliable information available? For instance, using the same fluid, my GMC indicates it's good for 10,000 miles, while a Honda suggests 5,000 miles, and some Volkswagens claim 19,000 miles for the identical fluid! This raises the question of which is correct. The same fluid will degrade in the same way, regardless of the brand on the hood, so what should vehicle owners do?

The correct response is - it varies. However, it should be at least annually and not exceeding 10,000 miles. Personally, for my GMC truck, which suggests a 10,000-mile interval, I limit it to 7,500 miles between oil changes maximum I try and do it every 5k. I do this because 1. I am aware that my LM2 engine tends to accumulate buildup, and 2. I occasionally tow and can drive aggressively leading to premature break down of the oil.

Does Aggressive Driving or Severe Conditions Affect How Often I Should Change My Cars Oil?

Aggressive driving can have negative consequences if it's a regular habit. It's important to consider this in relation to oil changes because when you press hard on the gas pedal, the engine revs higher, heats up more quickly, and causes the fluids to break down faster.

What Happens If You Go Over Mileage?

Oils degrade, accumulate deposits, and lose their protective qualities, even when left unused in the garage. Synthetic fluids deteriorate more slowly than conventional ones, which is why they are more expensive.

It is somewhat normal to observe some oil consumption between oil changes, as engines naturally use some oil during regular operations. Over time, this can lead to low oil levels, resulting in a range of additional problems. Oil safeguards your engine's bearings, pistons, cylinder walls, and more. Consider oil as the lifeblood of your vehicle. It's a relatively inexpensive service and performing it earlier or more frequently can only be beneficial.

If you're curious about the condition of your oil, you can send it to Blackstone Labs for an independent analysis, which costs approximately $35. This report examines metals, which can indicate excessive engine wear. For an additional $10, you can also find out how much life your oil's additives have left, helping you determine if you can extend the intervals between oil changes.

What Happens When You Run Low on Oil?

Runing your vehicle low on oil can be a huge issue for the heart of your vehicle. Oil not only helps lubricate a number of internal components of the engine but it also acts as a buffer to the high temps caused to operate. Running your engine without oil will cause the engine to seize and there is no repair for this. That's a total replacement due to catastrophic engine failure.

The most minor thing you'll experience is loss of engine efficiency and performance. You'll notice reduced power and sluggish acceleration.

You could experience engine knocking and noise. This indicates that you have metal parts clashing without a cushion. Things like pistons and cylinder damage is likely.

Another costly issue caused by low oil if you haven't completely seized the engine is that your vehicle will start experiencing increased friction and wear on the timing chain, which can lead to it stretching and possibly failing. This may result in the misalignment of gears and other components, potentially causing catastrophic engine failure.

How Do I Know if I'm Low on Oil

Oil Light

Most modern-day vehicles are equipped with a low oil warning light. Although when this light comes on it's probably already too late to completely protect your engine from damage. Do not rely on your oil change interval to tell you when you check your oil. If you read your owner's manual, you'll actually see it's recommended that you check your oil dipstick every time you fill up on gas!

Burning Smell

If your running low on oil, there's only a few reasons why that could be. You have leaks or your engine is burning oil.

Smoke

If it is burning oil, you should be able to smell it or see smoke coming from under the hood or out of your exhaust.

Overheating issue

Since oil helps keep the engine cool, running low could cause the engine to overheat. If you notice your temperature gauge bouncing all over the place or a warning light coming on for over heating - you're causing more damage by ignoring the signs.

Engine Stalling

Without oil the engine will struggle to run. you should witness puttering and stalling. When this happens pull over immediately do not try and restart a vehicle that is running rough, overheating, or has no oil.