Oil changes are so routine but they can also seem a lot more complicated than they have to be. When exactly is the right time for your car’s oil to get changed? The real answer can vary depending on quite a few different facts. Here’s some information from A1 Automotive that might help clear things up.
Check the Oil Yourself Regularly
The easiest way to know exactly when it’s time to change your oil is to check it yourself on a regular basis. This lets you see yourself how much oil is in the engine and whether that level is dropping or not. It also allows you to keep track of how dirty the oil is and whether there’s a lot more debris in the oil than there has been. When you do notice those types of changes, it’s time to get the oil changed out.
Keep Track of Your Gas Mileage
Another factor you can pay attention to if you want to be really accurate about getting your oil changed is to track your gas mileage. One of the factors that affects gas mileage is how dirty your car’s oil is. So the fresher the oil, the better your gas mileage. There are other variables, of course, but changing your oil typically has a big impact if gas mileage has fallen off a bit.
Pay Attention to How You Drive
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that your driving habits have a lot to do with how long your oil lasts in your car. If you’re speeding a lot or demanding a lot from your car’s engine, that’s going to show up in the engine oil. Take it easy on your car and the oil is going to last longer and be better able to do its job.
Read the Owner’s Manual, Too
This might sound too easy after all the rest of these suggestions, but definitely see what your car’s owner’s manual has to say. There’s a reason that your car’s manufacturer recommends a specific timeframe for oil changes, and that might be different from what you have in mind for the ideal timing for getting the oil changed.
Still feel too confusing to think about yourself? Let A1 Automotive in Lincoln, NE help. We can work with you to figure out the best oil change schedule for your car’s needs and help you remember when it’s time.