How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

It’s a question many folks around Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury eventually ask themselves: How often should I get an oil change? A common response you’re going to hear from service shops is every 5,000 miles. This is a good number to rely on, but there are certain factors that may alter how often your model requires an oil change.

At Harr Toyota, we’re devoted to keeping your vehicle running smoothly for many years, whether you drive a coupe or a truck. So check out this oil change overview of ours before contacting our shop!

How Frequently Should I Get an Oil Change?

The 5,000-mile benchmark is a good number to remember when thinking about oil changes for your vehicle. Of course, every vehicle is unique, so does your model require oil changes at a different interval? The answer depends on the type of vehicle you have and the type of driving you do each day.

Any vehicle that has a high-powered engine, one that is regularly revving to high RPMs either for towing purposes, performance, or anything else, may need an oil change more frequently. The more you ask of your engine, the more quickly the motor oil wears down. If you have a heavy-duty truck or a sportscar, for instance, changing the oil more often is a good idea.

From there, be aware of your personal driving habits. Motor oil can wear down more quickly if you drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic each day, expose your vehicle to inclement weather, or if you push your vehicle to its performance limits often.

How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

Oil changes are straightforward processes that can quickly be knocked out when you visit our shop. If you book your visit online or by giving us a call, our team will be ready and waiting for you to arrive. At that point, the oil change should take no longer than half an hour!

Signs I Need an Oil Change

You can determine whether an oil change is needed for your car by keeping an eye out for a few symptoms. First, look at the oil itself. Fresh motor oil is going to appear goldish-brown and should flow smoothly. If the oil is worn, the color will turn a dark brown or black and the oil itself will get sludgy and stiff.

It’s also good to keep an eye on any lagging performance your model may experience. If your fuel economy drops or your car doesn’t accelerate as well as it normally does, it could be traced back to worn motor oil.