The most standard form of auto maintenance is the oil change, but that doesn’t mean the right way to do it is well understood. In fact, cars have changed so much in recent years that you may be surprised by some of the answers to these frequently asked questions about oil changes.

Do I Really Need to Get My Oil Changed Every 3,000 Miles?

The short answer is that if your car is less than a decade old you probably don’t need oil changes that often. There are many factors that affect how often you need to change your oil, and the age of your vehicle is one of them. Newer cars are designed to last longer between oil changes. Some can even go up to 10,000 miles.

That having been said, the way you drive your car may make a difference too. If you commute on the highway with minimal traffic or take long trips, you can get away with driving longer on the same oil. If you sit in stop-and-go traffic much of the time or you just drive your car around town where stop signs and red lights abound, then you may only be able to go 5,000 miles between oil changes. Be sure to ask your mechanic for a recommendation based on your vehicle and usage.

Is 3 Months Still the Standard for Getting Oil Changed?

Once again, this figure is based on older engines. Modern cars can often go up to 6 months between oil changes. If your grandma just drives to the store and back once a week and only drives a few thousand miles a year, she’ll probably be fine with an annual oil change. It’s actually better on the environment to change your oil less often thanks issues with the sheer amount of oil disposed of annually.

Should I Switch to Synthetic Motor Oil?

Most people ask this question because of the expense alone. It’s obviously better, but some people wonder is it that much better? Here are a few reasons to consider synthetic motor oil:

• Cold Climate – Synthetic motor oil works better in low temps, so if you live somewhere that requires driving in colder weather frequently, synthetic motor oil can make a big difference.
• Stop-and-Go Driving – If you spend most of your time behind the wheel in traffic, oil doesn’t heat up as much and so impurities are allowed to remain. This is rough on traditional motor oil but synthetic stands up to the challenge better.
• Older Vehicles – The older your engine is, the more likely there is some sludge built up from years of use. In this situation, synthetic oil can make your engine last significantly longer.

Where Should I Go for My Next Oil Change in San Diego?

This one is simple. Head to MR Auto SD for high-quality oil changes at a price you can afford. Check out promotions page to get the best deal on traditional or synthetic oil changes. Just call 858-455-8222 to schedule your oil change today!