How often should you get an oil change?

Have you ever thought about how often you change your oil? Day to day life can be hectic and our cars maintenance can often fall to the bottom of the priority list, but what is a reasonable interval between oil changes. If you find your oil is in need of a change, it may be worth booking in for a car service in rhos on sea, Penrhyn Bay or North Wales - especially if you know you’ve left it a little too long.

An oil change is essential as old, dirty oil prevents your car from working efficiently. When the oil becomes dirty it turns into an abrasive sludge which wears away the engine instead of protecting it. It is generally recommended that you should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles which equates to every 6 months. This is a guideline and you should check what your manufacturer’s recommendations areas each case can vary dependent on the wear and tear of your car and what environments you have been driving in.

The way you drive and operate your car can affect how often you need to change your oil. When you make a lot of short trips or drive in rush-hour traffic, your car will build up water in the crankcase which eventually turns into sludge. Making shorter trips means that you car engine never gets hot enough to evaporate the water, frequent stopping also means that your engine cools down also preventing evaporation.

Although some decide to change their own oil, it can be an inconvenient task for many. Your local car servicing centre will often offer a servicing package which will include an oil change as well as a range of other vital checks and inspections. It is always worth booking in for a service as it can save you money in the long run, identifying and fixing any potential problems that may decrease the efficiency, performance and safety of your car.