For years the general standard for oil changes is every 3,000 miles or 3 months. It’s something almost every vehicle repair and maintenance shop recommends for most vehicles. Of course, there are some objections to the rule. In Volkswagen Group vehicles, a petrol engine can go up to 2 years or approximately 18,600 miles, and a diesel engine can go up to 2 years or 31,000 miles before requiring an oil change. Other manufacturers require less of disparity between tune-ups and changes, but the 3,000 mile standard doesn’t always have to be the bearer of change.
There are even efforts by people and groups to convince the public it is not necessary. Some models now come with a monitoring system that alerts the driver when the oil needs changing. Most people schedule their oil changes based around the free time or planning they can make to bring in their vehicle, the financial situation they currently stand in, or when it’s most convenient. Older cars driven under harsh use may still require 3000-mile oil changes as stated in their manufacturer-issued manuals, especially if driven under more strenuous conditions such as extremely hot weather we find in California.
There’s no disadvantage to bringing in your vehicle every 3,000 miles or 3 months. In fact, maintaining your vehicle and keeping it in the best possible condition only means pro-longing the life, making it more efficient to save on gas money, and keeping it in the best possible condition for resale or trade-in value. If you have serious questions or uncertainty about when to get an oil change, consult a professional. There’s no harm in finding out more and educating yourself or others on what works best.
