How Often Should You Have Your Oil Changed? |California, MD Near Lexington Park, St. Mary's County, & Leonardtown
Determining how often you should have your oil changed in California, MD
At Lexington Park Ford Lincoln, we know a well-maintained car helps your life run much more smoothly. If you don't keep your vehicle in good condition, it can eventually create problems that interrupt the flow of your day, or several days at the worst. It also leaves you stuck paying for expensive repairs that could have been avoided with routine maintenance.
An oil change is among the most basic services every vehicle needs, but just how regularly do you need to change the oil? We've highlighted a few tips below for you to consider in determining what type of schedule works best for your car.
3,000 Miles: Fact or Fiction?
"Get your oil changed after 3,000 miles" is a long-standing piece of advice, but things have changed in recent years. While 3,000 miles was a good guideline for older cars, mechanics generally agree that the magic number has increased for most models manufactured in 2008 or later. Engine and oil technology have improved since then, which has helped push the new recommended mileage to somewhere around 7,500. However, older models should stick to a lower threshold, like 5,000. If you'd rather measure by time than mileage, six months has been and remains a good time frame because it lets you have your car regularly inspected for other services it may need while getting the oil changed.
How Do You Drive?
The type of driving you do and the climate you live in affects how often you should get your oil changed. If you do a lot of driving in a city, you may need oil changes more often because the frequent starting and stopping and short driving distances make the the engine work hard without giving the oil a chance to warm up enough to work at maximum efficiency. Colder climates also mean more frequent oil changes because the lower temperatures work against the oil's need to heat to give the best performance.
Check Your Owner's Manual
One of the best things to do if you're just unsure about when to change your oil is to trust your manufacturer's judgment, because they designed and built the vehicle. Your owner's manual most likely contains a section with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for several routine services, including oil changes.
We hope these general guidelines have given you a better idea about when to schedule an oil change for your vehicle. Ultimately, the best source to consult would be a mechanic specializing in your car's manufacturer. No two cars are alike, so seeking an experts opinion is always the best option.
Interested in getting your vehicle's oil changed or having another routine service performed? Our service technicians are happy to serve you, so call us at 301-863-8111 or visit us at Lexington Park Ford Lincoln at 22659 Three Notch Road California, MD 20619 for your appointment. We proudly serve customers from California MD Near Lexington Park, St. Mary's City &Leonardtown.