The recommended interval for changing your car's oil typically ranges between 5,000 to 10,000 miles , depending on factors such as the type of oil used, your vehicle's age, and driving conditions.
- Modern vehicles using synthetic oil can often go 7,500 to 10,000 miles or even up to 15,000 miles between oil changes
- Older cars or those driven under severe conditions (e.g., frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing) may require more frequent changes, around 3,000 to 5,000 miles
- Many newer cars have oil-life monitoring systems that calculate when an oil change is needed based on actual driving conditions and alert the driver accordingly
- If you drive less frequently, most manufacturers recommend changing oil at least once a year regardless of mileage
In summary, while the old rule of thumb was every 3,000 miles, today it is generally safe and recommended to change oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for most modern cars using synthetic oil, but always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for best results
