When do i change my oil
The most obvious indicator that it is time to get your oil changed is the warning light on your dashboard that may signal when you are running low. In certain vehicles, a flashing oil light means that you only need an oil change while a steady light means that you are due for an oil and filter change.
Keep in mind that it can be risky to depend on these systems because they are not error-proof. Assuming that your oil change light is accurate, waiting for it to come on will also take away some of the flexibility that comes with scheduling your oil change ahead of time.
However, if you are forgetful when it comes to your oil changes, the notification system installed in your vehicle can be a great backup indicator of when you are due for oil maintenance. You can also check the status of your oil on your own by opening under your hood and pulling out the oil dipstick in your engine.
Before reading the dipstick, you need to wipe it off to get rid of residual oil before reinserting it and pulling it back out; make sure that you fully reinsert the clean dipstick to accurately gauge your oil levels.
Today, modern engines driven normally stretch intervals to or even more than 10, miles. So what's the right answer? When a vehicle is new, the answer is simple: If you don't want to void your powertrain warranty , follow the oil type, mileage, and time recommendations in the owner's manual. Lost your owner's manual? It's likely available online. In most cases, you'll be taking your vehicle to the dealer for required inspections and maintenance , and oil changes will be included in that regime.
Some newer vehicles have a built-in oil-life monitor. This gadget uses an algorithm, sensors, and software that keep track of drive temperatures, cold starts , driving hours, idling hours, and engine revs. It uses that data to calculate the oil's condition and warranty-preserving change intervals. Keep in mind that the oil monitor is calibrated for the oil type recommended in the owner's manual.
Service alerts are displayed in the instrument cluster. In some systems, one of the instrument-cluster information screens will read out remaining oil life as a percentage. This is much different from the red oil-pressure warning light that glows when you start the engine. If that's on while you're driving or idling, it means you're out of oil or have a very serious engine issue. Time to park and key off. Once you're outside the maker's warranty, determining change intervals requires some common sense and an educated guess—unless your vehicle has an aforementioned oil-life monitor.
There are often different recommendations for normal and severe driving. Intervals vary widely depending on whom you ask, whether you tow and how often , the time of year, and even where you drive. Not surprisingly, service providers oil-change shops and dealerships tend to recommend shorter change intervals to miles.
That can never hurt your engine, but it also means they'll see you and your credit card more often. GettyImages GettyImages Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7, or even 10, miles and 6 or 12 months for time. Even if you drive fewer miles each year than your automaker suggests changing the oil say, 6, miles, with suggested oil-change intervals at 7, miles , you should still be getting that oil changed twice a year. Oil becomes less effective as it ages, and by not getting the engine warm enough, excess moisture that forms in the engine will not be removed, which can lead to shorter engine life.
Consumer Reports Consumer Reports. Synthetic oil is designed to be more effective at resisting breakdown and because of that, it lasts longer and withstanding high temperatures. There are situations where that resistance to breakdown can help prolong the life of your engine.
Another consideration is your lifestyle. Synthetic oil can also help engines that are prone to building up sludge; some Volkswagen and Toyota models have had sludge issues in the past. This residue, formed when oil breaks down, can block the flow of oil, leading to the quick death of an engine. Visit our guide to car maintenance and repair. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to keeping your car running smoothly. Since , Consumer Reports has been testing products and working to create a fairer, safer, and healthier marketplace.
Click here to learn more about Consumer Reports' mission as a nonprofit organization. To help support our work, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. You can also show support by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. We respect your privacy.