Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly and extending the life of your vehicle. But how often should you change your vehicle’s oil? The answer depends on several factors, including your vehicle type, oil quality, and driving habits.
At Advanced Transmission Repair Phoenix, we help drivers stay on top of their oil change schedules to prevent costly engine damage. Let’s break down how often you should change your oil and why it’s so important.
How often should you have an oil change?
The old advice used to be every 3,000 miles, but modern engines and high-performance oils allow for longer intervals. Here’s a general guideline based on oil type:
- Conventional Oil – Every 3,000–5,000 miles
- Synthetic Blend Oil – Every 5,000–7,500 miles
- Full Synthetic Oil – Every 7,500–10,000 miles
To get the best recommendation for your oil change timing, check your owner’s manual or consult with our expert mechanics at Advanced Transmission Repair Phoenix.
Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency
Certain driving conditions can require more frequent oil changes to keep your engine in peak condition. If you experience any of the following, you may need to change your oil sooner:
- Stop-and-Go Traffic – Frequent idling and city driving increase engine stress.
- Extreme Heat – The Arizona heat breaks down oil faster, leading to quicker degradation.
- Towing & Heavy Loads – If you frequently tow or haul, your engine works harder, needing more frequent oil changes.
- Short Trips – Repeated short trips prevent the engine from reaching its optimal temperature, causing oil contamination.
If these conditions apply to you, consider shortening your oil change intervals to protect your engine.
Why are oil changes important?
A study by the Car Care Council found that 22% of vehicles have low or dirty engine oil. Proactively changing a vehicle’s oil and filter helps the engine continue to work at its best and helps to prevent engine repairs. While the frequency of having an oil change varies by vehicle, the importance of an oil change does not. Regular oil changes are essential to your car and truck.
Let’s review why:
- Engine Lubrication: All of the moving parts of your engine work at high speeds and create a lot of heat. While engine heat is normal, having an engine that overheats is not and is not ideal. Without proper oil changes, your engine is more vulnerable to overheating due to a lack of lubrication.
- Gas Mileage: Gas mileage and the quality of your vehicle’s oil, directly correlate. Regular oil changes help you to have better gas mileage. Poor engine lubrication can lead to increased fuel consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy says that with routine oil changes, with the correct oil, gas mileage can be improved by 1-2% (about a gallon of gas a year).
- Engine Wear: Dirt particles are bad for any engine. Oil changes help to reduce and remove any excess dirt and buildup in your engine from use. “Sludge” is when oil breaks down and congeals and thickens. This is a common development in cars, and oil changes are the best way to rid your engine and vehicle of such and keep your engine in good condition.
- Vehicle and Engine Life: Plain and simple, following the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle makes your vehicle last longer. Dirty oil can create buildup, which in turn impacts a vehicle’s fuel economy and power and makes internal components work harder. A harder working engine will end up having problems and a shortened lifespan.
How often should you have an oil change? Well, that depends on your driving habits, the vehicle, and the oil used; however, oil changes are key to having a functioning vehicle and to avoid engine failure.
Advanced Transmissions & Emissions, is the leader in auto repair and service in Phoenix, AZ. Our team of auto technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the best service for your vehicle. As a locally-owned and operated auto repair shop, we make it our priority to ensure to treat our customers with the respect they deserve.
Your car, truck, or SUV’s engine is a complex arrangement of parts and components. When smoke billows from the hood or you hear unusual noises, you require a professional mechanic who can find and fix the problem. We offer solutions at great rates.
Visit us or contact us today.