Is there really one right answer about when you should get your car’s oil changed? Maybe and maybe not. There’s a lot to look at here, and West Omaha Auto Service has some suggestions.
Double Check Your Car’s Owner’s Manual
Your car’s owner’s manual is the definitive advice about all sorts of preventative services for your car, including oil changes. Most manufacturers recommend oil changes anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on all sorts of variables including the type of oil your car should use. There are some other factors that can influence how often your car’s oil should be changed, however.
Keep Track of Your Gas Mileage
Gas mileage can tell you a lot about how your car is doing. When you track your car’s gas mileage regularly, that can give you some early warning about possible issues. One of those issues can be when your car’s engine might have been working harder than expected and therefore the engine oil took more of a beating. When you spot changes in gas mileage, that’s your cue to look for reasons.
Check Your Oil Yourself in Between Oil Changes
Something else that can help you to keep track of how things are going is to check your car’s oil on your own between oil changes. This might feel intimidating at first, but it really is easy. Just remember to check the oil when your car’s engine is cool. Remove the dipstick from its holder, wipe the stick with a rag or a paper towel, and then put the dipstick back and remove it a second time. You’ll be able to see where the oil level hits on the stick and you can also see things like whether the oil is dirty or not. If the oil is too low or the oil looks dirty, that’s a sign to get the car checked.
Look Honestly at Your Driving Habits
It’s also important to remember that your driving habits are one of the variables that affect how often you should get your car’s oil changed. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or you’re usually loading the car down, those take a toll on the engine. All of that can impact how long the engine oil can last.
Want to know exactly when you should have your car’s engine oil changed? West Omaha Auto Service in Omaha, NE can help you to figure that out. Give us a call today and we’ll set up an appointment for you.