Does Your Car Need More Oil Changes than the Manufacturer Recommends?
When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next oil change. They always set the reminders to 3,000 miles or 3 months.The old standard was 3,000 miles, but cars are now built better than ever before. Do you really have to have an oil change every 3,000 miles?
Most car manufacturers now recommend changing your oil every 7,500 miles or six months. However, for “severe” driving they recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles.What constitutes “severe” driving? “Severe” conditions include driving in hot, cold, dusty, and ocean-side environments, towing a trailer, making many short trips and city driving. Many of us fall into that category!
I agree with those who say that overmaintaining your car is a waste of money, but oil changes are pretty cheap. You should be able to get your oil changed for about $25. It’s certainly worth an extra $50 per year if you drive under any of these “severe” conditions. If you err on the side of under-maintaining your car, it’s less likely to last as long as it could. If you take good care of your car, it can easily last 200,000 miles or more. The longer you can make your current car last, the more money you’ll keep. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you’re no longer using for car payments. You could buy your next car for cash!
Many of us find it inconvenient to get an oil change. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. Oil Changes are offered at so many places, including your dealership, a service station or even Wal Mart. Getting an oil change done while you’re shopping or working makes it much less time consuming. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And many shops offer pleasant and convenient waiting areas. Many have televisions, snacks and free wi-fi.
Most of us should follow the old standard of 3,000 miles. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s a good idea. So find a mechanic or shop and get into the habit of regular oil changes. When your car has 200,000 + miles and is still going strong, you’ll be happy that you did.
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