How often should you change your engine oil?
Mileage, driving conditions and the type of oil in your engine all affect how long it stays effective. Here’s how to work out the right interval for your car — and the signs it’s time for a change.
[Photo caption — e.g. A Grand Auto technician checking oil level during an express service.]
Engine oil does more than lubricate. It cools moving parts, carries away dirt and protects metal surfaces from wear and corrosion. Over time, heat and contaminants break it down, and once that happens it can no longer protect your engine the way it should.
The good news: knowing when to change it isn’t complicated. It comes down to three things — your oil type, how you drive and what your manufacturer recommends.
1. Start with your manufacturer’s recommendation
Your owner’s manual lists a service interval based on distance and time — for example, every [10,000 km or 12 months], whichever comes first. Treat this as your baseline. Modern engines are designed around specific oil grades, so it’s also the best place to check which viscosity your car needs, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30.
2. Consider the type of oil
Not all oils last the same amount of time:
3. Adjust for how you drive
Some conditions are harder on oil than others. If any of these sound familiar, consider changing your oil sooner than the standard interval:
Frequent short trips where the engine never fully warms up
Heavy stop-and-go city traffic
Hot climates, dusty roads or towing heavy loads
[Photo caption — e.g. Our express bays complete most oil changes in about [30] minutes.]
4. Watch for the warning signs
Between services, your car may tell you it needs attention. Book an oil change if you notice a dashboard oil warning, louder engine noise, dark and gritty oil on the dipstick, or a burning smell after driving.
The bottom line
Follow your manufacturer’s interval, use the right grade of quality oil, and change it sooner if you drive in tough conditions. If you’re unsure, our technicians can check your oil and recommend the right Idemitsu product for your engine.
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