How Often Should You Have An Oil Change?

We've all done it. We've nervously looked at the small sticker placed in the top corner of our windshield the last time that we had an oil change, telling us the next time that we should stop by for service. As the miles and weeks tick by, you may get more nervous and insist to yourself that the next time you have free time, you will have your vehicle maintenance done. While changing the lubricant at the right time is incredibly important, the so called "myth of the three thousand miles" is normally extremely inaccurate. Modern trucks, cars, or vans are constructed to use lubricant more efficiently and do not require a replacement anywhere near as often.

There are two main ways to know for sure how close you are to needing to visit a local garage or lube shop and these are checks that you can very easily complete yourself. They do not require any special expertise or knowledge and you certainly do not need to be a mechanical whiz to complete the task very simply. The most convenient way is to check your vehicle owner's manual and understand what the recommended time for an oil change is for your particular make and model. If you have misplaced your owner's manual, you should regularly check the quality and cleanliness yourself.

Open the hood of the car and look for the dipstick. If you need help locating this for your model of vehicle, then there are plenty of resources available on the Internet that will help you make an informed decision. Once you have located the dipstick, pull it straight up and check the oil color and quality. If you see a very low lubricant level (there will be distinctive markings along the edge of the dipstick), then you should consider having an oil change as soon as possible. If the level is fine, then the next important aspect is the color and clarity of the lubricant. Modern oils should be a rich amber color and be reasonably dirt- and particle-free.

If you discover that you do need to replace the motor lubricant, you have several options. You may take it to a garage that specializes in engine lubrication and tire testing. These business normally have a good relationship with regular local customers and it can say a great deal about their trustworthiness, if they are able to sustain the loyalty of regular customers. You may also consider completing an oil change yourself, as it is not really the most difficult of maintenance tasks. If you feel so inclined, there are many resources available that will give you how-to guides and you can save a considerable amount of money by taking the do-it-yourself approach.