Engine oil lubricates vital moving parts like the crankshaft and pistons, keeping them cool and friction-free. Unfortunately, oil eventually deteriorates, and the process happens faster with heavy use and exposure to contaminants. Bad lubricant reduces the engine’s performance, leading to issues like rough idling and engine failure.
It’s crucial to change the oil before the grease goes bad. But how often should you do an oil change for your vehicle? How many miles can you go before you absolutely have to change the oil?
Your dealer will probably tell you to change the oil every 5,000 miles or earlier. However, your vehicle might need an oil change earlier or later.
Is your car, truck, or SUV a model that rolled out before 1990? It generally needs regular oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Starting in 1990, internal combustion engine technology and engine oil chemistry made significant strides. Engines became more efficient at burning fuel. Meanwhile, new formulas extended the service life of engine lubricants.
Thanks to these improvements, the typical modern vehicle needs fewer and less frequent oil changes than pre-1990 models. Newer cars, trucks, and SUVs now only require oil changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Some models can reach 15,000 miles.
Here are the recommended oil change schedules for popular vehicle brands:
Please keep in mind that these numbers might not apply to every model under the brand. You might have to get the recommended oil change schedule from the dealer, manufacturer’s website, or service manual.
There are times when your carefully crafted timetable might fall apart without warning. You might have your hands full for so long that you forget to do something important–for example, changing your vehicle’s engine oil according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
Fortunately, engine oil won’t degrade immediately after reaching the end of its expected service life. Modern synthetic oils last even longer.
While you have some leeway after the scheduled oil change, don’t take too long to get around to doing it. You increase the chances of something going wrong with your vehicle’s engine if you don’t replace dirty or old oil.
The following are the possible consequences if you don’t change the oil for too long:
New cars usually come with a vehicle warranty that assures free repair and replacement for damaged or defective parts. The warranty gives you peace of mind by removing a possible burden from your budget.
However, you might render your car warranty null and void by violating the terms of the agreement, usually by accident. Most warranties require you to service your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s specifications, such as changing the oil at specific intervals. Skipping the oil change might nullify the warranty’s protection, forcing you to pay for the next maintenance or repair session.
Oil doesn’t only lubricate the engine’s moving parts. It also cleans the engine’s internals. Engine oil contains cleaning additives like detergents and dispersants that dislodge dirt and debris from the surface of parts.
When the oil exits the engine, it carries the contaminants to the oil filter, which traps the dirt and debris while allowing the oil to flow through its screen. The filter gradually accumulates contaminants and eventually becomes clogged if left alone.
A clogged oil filter forces dirt and debris to circulate through the engine. Meanwhile, engine oil gradually turns into sludge as contaminant levels build up. Dirty oil increases friction between moving parts, reducing the engine’s output and increasing fuel consumption.
Oil changes also replace the oil filter alongside the lubricant. If you take too long to change the oil, the filter will clog up.
The longer you wait on an oil change, the more likely the engine will develop issues like overheating, blown head gaskets, seizing, and warped parts. In the worst-case scenario, the entire engine might fail.
Engine oil helps keep the engine cool by absorbing heat from its parts. However, dirty oil can’t absorb heat as effectively, leading to a higher risk of overheating.
Overheating can lead to a blowout in one of the cylinder head gaskets. Fixing a blown head gasket is pricey, especially if you own an old vehicle. Even if none of the cylinder head gaskets blow, the extreme heat can warp parts.
Bad engine oil can also cause the engine to seize. Dirty oil loses much of its lubricating property. It can’t prevent metal-on-metal contact between parts that causes seizing.
In a word: No. Changing the engine oil early or frequently won’t cause problems. Fresh, clean engine oil won’t damage the engine.
However, your wallet won’t survive such heavy spending. Oil changes require you to buy replacement engine oil. If you bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair center, you must also pay the labor cost.
The owner’s manual has the recommended oil change schedule. If you can’t find it, visit the manufacturer’s website.
Make a habit of inspecting the engine oil. Pull out the dipstick and check the oil’s color. The oil is good if it appears clear and is amber. Conversely, black engine oil that resembles tar indicates the need for an oil change as soon as possible.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.