You should change the oil at least as often as is recommended by the manufacturer in your owner's manual. Many newer vehicles will say every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However most auto mechanics recommend doing it more often, such as every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first.
But you should take into consideration if you drive in these extreme operating conditions:
- A lot of short trips
- Stop-and-go driving
- Limited highway driving
- Driving in dusty conditions or on dirt roads
- Driving in very hot weather
- Towing and/or hauling heavy loads
- In these types of driving conditions it may extend the life of the engine if it's changed every 3000 miles.
Why do I need to change my oil?
If you see the level getting extremely low, don't just fill it back up. First check the color and consistency. It may be time to have the old oil drained and filled with new oil.
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