Why Do Some Cars Need Oil Changes At Different Mileages Than Others?
Short answer: Different car makes and models have different requirements. Different driving habits and conditions also affect the need for an oil change.
Longer answer: If you check your car’s user manual, you’ll probably find you’ve been changing your oil more often than you need to… at least according to the people who designed your car. However, keep in mind these are the same people that want you to buy a new car every few years.
There’s more to an oil change than just a oil change. We don’t even like that phrase because it does not fully describe the service.
We recommend that all vehicles, with the exception of older cars, or cars that have less than 100,000 miles on them, get a 5,000 mile service. This service is an oil and filter change, a tire rotation, a brake inspection, and a vehicle safety inspection. By doing an “oil change” service this way, we help:
- Prevent breakdowns and premature tire wear
- Make sure that the vehicle is in good shape
- Add a significant amount of life to the tires
- Add resale value of the vehicle, for people are much more likely to pay top dollar for a well maintained vehicle.
Photo Credit: AJ Hill – Blacklight Propaganda Photography via Compfight cc
This service should be tailored to each vehicle, and that is what we do here at Central Avenue Automotive. There are some vehicles that you can extend the service to 7,500 miles, but this does not depend on the car. Instead, it depends on how the car is used. A good example is if you drive from Kent, WA, down I-5 to Portland every day. You should increase you service interval to 7,500 miles. But if all of your diving is local, or you are commuting from Auburn, WA to Seattle every day in horrendous stop-and-go traffic on 167, then you should do the service at 5,000 miles.
It is common for cars to use one quart of oil every 1,000 miles. If you run out of oil between oil changes and damage your engine, even if your car is under warranty, it will not be covered. Proper fluid levels are the responsibility of the driver. Central Avenue Automotive has replaced hundreds of engines over the years because drivers have not checked their oil. An engine replacement can cost as little as $3000, and as much as $9000 for other cars. In contrast, a typical 5,000 mile service will cost you a far more affordable $40.
When should you change your oil every 3,000 miles (a 3,000 mile service)?
Typically when a car has over 100,000 miles, but every situation is different. It is best to consult with your Service Advisor At Central Avenue Automotive. The Service Advisor will be able to determine when to increase your maintenance schedule by examining your vehicle’s condition and your driving habits.
Most carmakers abandoned the 3,000-mile (4,828-kilometer) interval long ago, opting instead to advise their customers to go 5,000 or 7,500 miles (8,046 or 12,070 kilometers) between oil changes [source: MEMA]. Some people even go 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) or more without any guilt — or damage to the engine.
To add, the length between oil changes also depends upon the type of oil used. If your vehicle requires a synthetic oil, you can go longer between oil changes. but this will require you to check your oil more often until you have a handle on how much oil your vehicles uses. Every car is different, so we would suggest that you check your fluid levels every tank full of gas until you discover the exact usage of oil. After you have collected enough data, then you can add oil accordingly. A vehicle that uses conventional oil will most likely require more frequent oil changes.
There are other things that could increase the rate at which you change your car’s oil, including:
- Lots of idling
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Extremely hot and cold weather
- Humidity
- Towing
If you are unsure how frequently your car needs an oil change, ask the friendly auto experts at Central Avenue Automotive for advice. They are very knowledgeable and able to discuss the best oil options for your vehicle and driving habits.
Contact Central Avenue Automotive at (253) 854-6762, or schedule an appointment using our convenient online appointment booking service. You can also come into our repair shop for a visit, located at 1514 Central Ave. Kent, Washington 98032.
