How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?
You get in the car, turn the key, and your engine won’t start. You try and try, but still nothing.
Day ruined, right?
No one likes or wants car troubles. We use our cars to get to where we need to go daily and expect them to operate flawlessly until the end of time. The first time we consider repairs or maintenance is when something eventually goes wrong.
So, how do you move from a reactive approach to a proactive one?
Getting an oil change is one of the most basic, fundamental routine maintenance tasks we should perform on our vehicles. Discover how often you should be getting one and why oil changes are one of the best ways to proactively care for your car.
What Purpose Does Oil Serve in a Vehicle?
Oil is like the “blood” of a car’s engine. How long would we last without blood pumping through our bodies?
The same goes for your car.
The main purpose of oil is lubrication. Oil is circulated throughout your car’s engine through a pump and a series of oil galleries, leaving behind an oil film on every surface it contacts. This slippery surface allows all the moving parts in your car’s engine to move efficiently and effectively.
Your car’s oil also acts as an important heat transfer mechanism—absorbing heat and moving it away from the engine’s moving parts. As the oil is recirculated, it cools by the time it returns to the internal parts of the engine.
What Happens When a Car’s Oil Gets Old?
Over time, oil slowly becomes contaminated and loses its effectiveness. Dirty oil can cause a number of issues. First, it loses its lubricating properties and even experiences build-up by coagulating in certain parts of the engine. This will increase friction between the engine’s moving parts.
Additionally, its heat transfer properties will be compromised, and it will allow the internal areas of your car’s engine to run hotter. If left unchecked, it will cause damage to your engine or lead to other costly repairs.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
This question doesn’t have just one simple answer. How often you should change your car’s oil depends on several factors, including the following.
- How many miles you drive
- City driving versus highway driving
- The manufacturer’s recommendation
- The type of motor oil your vehicle uses
- The age of your vehicle
As a rule of thumb, you want to change your oil every 3 months or every 3,000–5,000 miles if your car uses conventional oil.
Some vehicles use synthetic oil that only requires a change every 10,000-15,000 miles. Additionally, as cars age, they require more frequent oil changes regardless of manufacturer recommendations or the type of oil.
If most of your daily commuting consists of city driving when you’re frequently starting and stopping, you will need to get an oil change more often than those who spend most of their commuting via the highway.
In other words, 3,000 miles of city driving is not the same as 3,000 miles of highway driving when it comes to the health of your car’s oil. It’s always helpful to consult with your local mechanic. They know your vehicle and driving habits, so they can provide recommendations on what schedule works best for you.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
Oil changes range in price from vehicle to vehicle for a few reasons. First, cars’ oil capacities differ. Some cars hold more oil than others, which can increase the cost when you need to change it. Second, different cars may have different needs for the type of oil. For example, older cars often need conventional oil, which is cheaper than synthetic oil but requires more frequent changes. However, modern cars run on a synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. While synthetic oils are more expensive, they are better for both your car and the environment.
If you’re not sure what type of oil your car needs, our team can help you determine which type is best for your model.
At City Auto Repair, assuming you’re getting full synthetic oil and need 6 quarts, you can expect the following prices:
For cars needing 0w40 oils, prices start at $145 plus tax.
For cars needing 0w20, 5w20, and 5w30 oils, prices start at $78 plus tax.
For cars needing 0w16 oils, prices start at $89 plus tax.
City Auto Repair Has Your Car’s Oil Change Needs Covered
It’s essential to protect your engine and keep up with regular maintenance through oil changes.
At City Auto Repair, we’ve got you covered!
If you live in Gainesville, FL, or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for oil change services to save yourself from future costly repairs and keep your car on the road!