How Often Should You Have Your Oil Changed?
How Often You Should Have Your Oil Changed in Shawnee, OK
Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle healthy and performing properly, which ultimately helps keep your life running smoothly. And at Joe Cooper Dodge of Shawnee, we're here to take care of maintenance for you. One of the most common routine services that your vehicle requires is an oil change. You know how important oil changes are, but maybe you're not exactly sure how often you need to schedule one for your vehicle. After all, you can’t always rely on that little sticker in the corner of your windshield, but it’s a good place to start. Below, we've highlighted a few things to keep in mind if you're wondering when to schedule your next oil change.
How often do you drive?
Driving used to be a lot more prevalent pre-pandemic, whether that meant as a commute to work or for other errands like shopping. However, since the pandemic, many people have turned to online ordering for everything from groceries to clothes. Many people that work from home can go several days without getting behind the wheel of their vehicle! A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the more you drive, the sooner you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for new oil and a new filter.
What does your owner's manual say?
Always trust your owner’s manual over all other advice for oil changes, because what works for some models might not be relevant for yours. Your owner’s manual should explain in detail how often your model needs an oil change but also the type of oil that should be used. Along with this helpful information about oil, you should also find a handy maintenance schedule that lays out when certain services need to be performed. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s manufacturer is the expert of your model, so take their advice on oil changes.
What do our experts recommend?
Our experts generally have a few recommendations for vehicles that take certain kinds of oil. Vehicles that use traditional motor oil need a change every 5,000 miles or sooner. With semi-synthetic, that number jumps to 8,000 miles or sooner. And if your model uses completely synthetic oil, we recommend an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or sooner. If your owner’s manual mentions something different than these general recommendations, feel free to take that advice! Otherwise, keep an eye on your mileage. If you don’t drive often enough in an entire year, we recommend bringing in your model twice a year regardless.
Interested in getting your vehicle's oil changed or having another routine service performed? Our service technicians are happy to serve you, so visit us at Joe Cooper Dodge of Shawnee at 4940 N Automall Drive, Shawnee, OK 74804 for your appointment or contact us with any additional questions. We proudly serve customers from Tecumseh, Seminole and Choctaw!