How Often Does My Car Need an Oil Change in Chino, CA?

You’ve probably heard at some point that the standard is to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. While this was true for some older vehicles, it hasn’t been the case in quite some time—you do not have to adhere to this standard to make sure your vehicle stays in optimal condition.

These days, anyone pushing for an oil change every 3,000 miles is most likely to be someone who profits from doing so, including quick-lube chain shops, service departments at car dealerships and repair facilities. The truth is that recommended intervals for oil changes will vary depending on the vehicle, so you should get an understanding of your vehicle and its needs by reading your owner’s manual so you can better keep up with all of the vehicle’s recommended maintenance.

Here’s some information you should know about oil changes in Chino, CA.

When to get your oil changed

Years back, vehicles required more frequent oil and filter changes. Since that time, however, there have been numerous advances in terms of engine materials and the oil that goes into those engines. Today, the most common recommendation by manufacturers is 7,500 miles, and sometimes even more than that.

For example, some manufacturers like Volkswagen, Porsche and Ford recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles. Toyota also tends to have some extended oil change intervals, including the 1.8L four-cylinder Prius and the 2.5L four-cylinder Camry. BMW has some vehicles that can go up to 15,000 miles between oil changes if you’re using synthetic oil in the engine.

In addition to the type of vehicle you’re driving, the type of driving conditions you tend to experience most often will also influence how frequently you need to change your oil. Certain behaviors such as extensive towing, regular idling or stop-and-go driving, short-distance driving and driving in extreme temperatures will typically result in shorter oil change intervals.

Modern technology makes vehicle maintenance a breeze

With all the upgrades in vehicle and engine technology over the last couple decades, staying on top of routine vehicle maintenance has never been easier. Many car companies outfit their vehicles with oil life monitors, which alert drivers when they need to change their oil based on factors such as climate, speed, engine temperature, number of cold starts and additional factors.

Some people are nervous about trying to extend their oil life up to 10,000 miles, so if this is the case with you, you can also safely change your oil every six months if you’re driving regularly. But sticking to three month/3,000 mile oil changes is basically throwing money away, and also isn’t great for the environment, as that spent oil then needs to be disposed of or recycled.

Are you interested in learning more about oil changes in Chino, CA and how long your vehicle can go between changes? Be sure to check your vehicle manual, or contact Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing with any questions you have. We look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Oil Change

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