How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?

One of the most frequently asked questions among drivers is how often they should change their car’s oil. For many years, the standard recommendation was every 3,000 miles. However, advancements in oil technology and engine efficiency have rendered this rule obsolete. Several factors, including driving habits, oil type, and manufacturer recommendations, influence the optimal oil change interval.

Modern Vehicles and Oil Change Intervals

Thanks to improvements in engine materials and high-quality synthetic oils, modern cars can go much longer between oil changes. According to AAA, most automakers now suggest oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles for vehicles using conventional oil. For those requiring full synthetic motor oil, the range extends to 10,000–15,000 miles.

Many newer vehicles also come equipped with oil-life monitoring systems, which track engine revolutions, driving temperatures, and conditions to determine when an oil change is necessary. These systems replace the outdated mileage-based method, ensuring that oil is changed only when needed.

Severe Driving Conditions

Despite longer oil change intervals for modern engines, certain driving conditions may necessitate more frequent maintenance. Car and Driver identifies the following as “severe service” conditions:

Frequent short trips (under five miles in normal weather or ten miles in cold conditions)
Stop-and-go traffic in extreme heat
Driving on sandy, muddy, or gravel roads
Towing heavy cargo or long-distance driving at moderate speeds
Track driving or off-roading

If your vehicle operates under any of these conditions, more frequent oil changes may be necessary.

Synthetic and Extended-Life Oils

Many automakers now permit extended oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or more due to the increasing use of synthetic oils. These oils resist breakdown at high temperatures and retain impurities for longer, keeping engine components cleaner. However, despite the longevity of synthetic oils, oil filters should still be changed with each oil change to prevent particulate accumulation.

Additionally, AAA advises against leaving oil in an engine for more than a year, regardless of mileage, as impurities can build up even with infrequent driving.

Key Takeaways for Oil Changes

The 3,000-mile oil change rule is outdated for newer vehicles using synthetic oil.
Always consult your owner’s manual and pay attention to your oil-life indicator.
Some repair shops still recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, often as a conservative approach to encourage frequent maintenance visits.
Using high-quality oil and following manufacturer recommendations will help extend engine life and ensure smooth operation.

Should Low-Mileage Drivers Change Their Oil?

For those who rarely drive, such as individuals who log fewer than 3,000 miles per year, most automakers still recommend changing the oil annually. While lab testing can assess oil quality, a yearly oil change and vehicle inspection can help detect minor issues before they become costly repairs. Even for low-mileage vehicles, regular oil and filter changes remain essential for long-term engine health.