The three-thousand mile rule is mostly a thing of the past when
determining the need for an oil change. Three resources can help a car
owner judge when to change the engine oil. Read on to learn more.
The three-thousand mile rule, for the most part, is a thing of the past
when it comes to determining if an oil change is necessary your car. In
particular, cars manufactured within the last decade do not need such
frequent maintenance. There are three resources to help a car owner
judge when to change the engine oil, and while most later model cars can
take up to seventy-five hundred miles between changes, a little
investigation can reveal what is best for your own personal needs and
that of your vehicle.
Because the three-thousand mile rule was held for so long, it is hard
for some of us to shake. Maybe your dad was an auto mechanic, and it is
difficult for you to go against his word, but consider how long it has
been since Dad has been in the industry. You can generally trust what a
current specialist has to say about how often to perform the task.
Contrary to popular opinion, most mechanics are not in the business of
tricking you into premature and unneeded vehicle care. They are experts
and know what they see in cars from day to day. While mechanics would
rather see you practice preventative vehicle maintenance than to see you
harm your engine with sludge and debris, they can generally be trusted
to suggest a maintenance schedule your car. In doing so, an oil change
will come at the right time for your particular vehicle.
Your owner’s manual is another reputable place to find valid and
trustworthy information concerning your car. All cars will come with an
owner’s manual, and if you purchased a previously owned car, you can
find the owner’s manual with a simple internet search. This book will
help you to define your specific driving conditions, whether they be
treacherous or mild, helping you to make and adhere to a conquerable
maintenance schedule. Deciding which driving category you fall into is
the trickiest part, and cross-checking your opinion with that of an
expert may be beneficial both for peace of mind and for your wallet.
If you want to be absolutely sure that you are changing your engine oil
at the most appropriate time, you can have the oil analyzed. Much like
those dreaded tests that we are subjected to by doctors, our car’s
fluids can be professionally analyzed for the purpose of diagnosing a
maintenance schedule tailored to your car and your own driving habits.
Search for analysis companies online, or ask the specialist that
performs your car’s next check or oil change for a location. These
companies will take a sample of your oil on which to run tests. These
tests can detect dirt, sludge, and other tell-tale signs of usage and
conclude an accurate prediction of a goal mileage for future oil
changes. Most companies find that customers are simply performing the
task earlier than needed. Though it will not hurt the car, if you can
stand the constant nagging of the on dash maintenance light, you will
certainly save time, money, and peace of mind by having the procedure
completed.
