Changing your oil every 3,000 miles is old and outdated advice. The average modern car needs an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000. Some vehicles can go 10,000 to 15,000 miles between oil changes.
This basic maintenance task is often one of the most neglected, and that can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s engine. So, take care of your investment by scheduling routine oil changes.
Schedule an oil change with a local service shop that can do oil changes and car repairs in Fredericksburg, VA.
1. Check Your Oil
While general guidelines exist on how often you should change your oil, every vehicle is different. Then beyond the car or truck itself, your driving habits can influence how often you need an oil change. Auto technicians define this as “normal driving” versus “severe driving.”
Severe driving does not mean you are doing extreme motorsports or racing. You may expose your car to extreme driving and not even know it. If you’re doing any of these activities, you likely need to change your oil more often than not.
- Rush-hour stop-and-go traffic
- Only driving short trips under 10 miles
- Towing
- Mountain road driving
- Driving in freezing temperatures
- Driving on salted or de-iced roads
- Operating in temperatures over 90 degrees
If your vehicle is older, you may need oil changes more often than someone with a brand-new vehicle.
2. Check Your Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the go-to reference for determining your vehicle’s maintenance requirements. It will outline everything you need to know about the oil in your vehicle.
- Oil change intervals
- Oil type
- Oil weight
- Capacity
A reputable Fredericksburg auto repair shop may ask when the last time you got your oil changed. They do this to determine the condition of the oil and diagnose any other potential problems with your vehicle. Check your windshield for a sticker that may have been placed there by the technician performing your last oil change.
3. Quick Lube, Service Center, or Dealership?
If you don’t want to change your own oil, you have three options, quick lube, service center, or dealership. A quick lube will only give you routine vehicle maintenance services. So this is not your best option if you need car or truck repair in addition to an oil change.
A service center employs ASE-certified mechanics. They can do routine maintenance plus repairs. This makes it a great option for someone who wants one location that can do everything on their car.
A dealership is a third option. While this option also offers ASE-certified mechanic service, there are some drawbacks. Dealerships tend to be more expensive and have longer wait times for service.
Schedule Your Oil Changes in Fredericksburg, VA
If you can’t remember the last time you got your oil changed, then you are probably overdue. The first step is to find the dipstick under your hood and check the oil. If it looks dark or low, you must schedule an oil change with a Fredericksburg, VA, auto shop.
Schedule your oil change with a reputable auto mechanic service center.