For vehicles made in the past decade or so, automakers usually recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, with even higher intervals for certain models. Most owner’s manuals now specify synthetic blend or full synthetic oil in concert with these longer oil change intervals. Manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles for many older vehicles and certain engine types. The 3,000-mile oil change might be a sensible tradition to keep alive if you choose conventional oil.

However, check your manual – and heed your vehicle’s oil change reminder if it triggers between oil changes, regardless of the old adage of every 3,000-miles. (On some vehicles, it takes your actual driving patterns into account.) And if you aren’t reaching the mileage guideline each year, follow your manual’s timed oil change interval instead.

Check your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations to see if “severe” driving conditions mean more frequent oil changes. And the definition of severe might surprise you! If your driving consists mostly of short trips in stop-and-go traffic or driving in “extreme temperatures” (which most of us call ordinary hot summers and cold winters), your vehicle manufacturer may recommend more frequent oil changes.

• Conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil with a variety of additives.
• Synthetic motor oil is derived from man-made ingredients with a variety of additives. Full synthetic oil protects your engine better than conventional oil due to the purity and uniform molecular structure of these man-made ingredients — with added environmental benefits. Cost-saving synthetic blend oils are also available. Compare conventional oil vs. synthetic oil.
• High mileage motor oil contains anti-wear additives to prolong engine life in vehicles with 75,000 miles or more. It’s available in conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic oil formulas.

Your Calgary Auto Care mechanic can help you choose the right motor oil for your vehicle and driving style – and we’ll never put any oil in your vehicle that fails to meet its manual specifications.

It’s best to follow your regular maintenance schedule. But here are some ways your car might tell you it’s ready for an oil and filter change:

• Your dashboard oil reminder: In newer vehicles, this light or text message takes your actual driving conditions into account.
• Dark oil on your dipstick: Fresh engine oil is transparent and light brown or amber. Dirty oil is dark brown or black — and too opaque to see through.
• Overheating: Poor lubrication also makes your engine work harder, which can generate excess heat.
• Grinding or tapping noises — these may be the dreaded “metal on metal” sounds, warning you that your oil level is too low to protect your engine.

And don’t ignore oil leaks!

Any fluid leak needs immediate attention — it shouldn’t wait till your next oil change. Often, an oil leak is an easy fix, like replacing a filter or tightening a bolt. But an unchecked oil leak can lead to catastrophic engine failure and serious fire hazards.

See either of these symptoms?

• Fluid under your vehicle or on engine parts.
• Blue smoke or a burning odor from your exhaust.

Request an oil and fluid diagnosis appointment ASAP if you see these symptoms.