How Often Do You Need An Oil Change<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe general oil change interval is about 5000 to 7000 miles<\/strong>. However, please note that not every vehicle manufacturer is similar; each has different benchmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. For Older Cars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMost old cars recommend mileage intervals for two types of upkeep schedules. One is for vehicles driven in “standard\/normal” operations; the other is tailored for cars under “severe service,” particularly one of the conditions below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nExtreme weather (dusty, cold, or hot climates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Sustained driving<\/li>\n\n\n\n Heavy loads\/ heavy towing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf your car is subjected to at least one of these three, refer to the “severe service” schedule in your user manual. Meanwhile, for vehicles that operate normally, sticking to the standard recommendations is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. For Newer Cars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome new, modern models arrive with oil monitoring systems to determine how many miles between oil changes and send drivers corresponding automatic alerts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While earlier models are simple mileage-based, the most recent technologies have been so advanced that they even analyze operating conditions to pinpoint when your oil starts degrading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s why the instruction manuals for these cars do not even mention “severe service” schedules; the oil monitor system has already taken care of everything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And once the oils are changed, technicians will reset your oil system; you can also do it on your own by following the manual’s guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Out of Warranty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your car has already been out of warranty – and there are no oil monitor systems to rely on – you must pay more attention to your car than ever to make educated guesses. Change the oil every 5000 miles<\/strong> or shorter if:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nYou frequently embark on long trips in freezing climates<\/li>\n\n\n\n You drive at extremely low speed for a long distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your car travels to gravel, sandy, salty, muddy, or dusty roads on a frequent basis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow to Check The Oil Level? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAside from keeping track of mileage and driving conditions, you can also take a more active role through regular oil checks at least every two weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\nStep One. Prepare<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBefore starting, ensure your car is safely parked on a flat surface, with its engine off, transmission switched to Park, and parking brakes on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once done, lift its hood with the hood-unlocking lever under the car\u2019s instrument panel. A security catch lies under the hood’s front edge; unlatch it before raising the hood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Two. Spot The Dipstick<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou should have no trouble finding the dipstick; the device is easily recognizable with its yellow, small handle, topped with an oil symbol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Three. Put Out The Dipstick<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPull the dipstick fully off its housing tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, use a paper towel to wipe off excess oil at the dipstick’s end. The two main lines are revealed: the lower one (indicating the lowest oil level required) and the upper one (denoting a full oil tank).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some car dipsticks even have detailed-wording captions along the lines, such as “add” or “full”; check whether your car has any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Four. Read The Oil Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPush the dipstick slowly into its tube and thrust it all through. After a few seconds, withdraw the stick to look more closely at its tip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf the oil level is in between the lower and upper lines\/the dipstick looks clean: you have nothing to worry about.<\/li>\n\n\n\n If the oil level is at or below the lower line\/ the dipstick looks dark and stained: time for some oil tops!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n