The Ultimate Guide to Engine Oil Change Frequency

TLDRLearn how often to change your engine oil based on your car usage and duration of ownership. Follow criteria A for long-term ownership, B for medium-term ownership, and C for short-term ownership.

Key insights

🔧Changing engine oil and oil filter is crucial for prolonging the life of a car.

Criteria A: Change oil every 3,000 miles if you plan to keep the car for a long time.

🕒Criteria B: Change oil every 5,000 miles for medium-term ownership.

Criteria C: Follow manufacturer's recommendation for short-term ownership.

💡Using synthetic oil can slightly extend the oil change interval.

Q&A

How often should I change my oil if I want to keep the car for a long time?

According to criteria A, you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or approximately 5,000 kilometers.

Can I follow the manufacturer's recommendation for oil change?

Yes, if you fall under criteria C and plan to keep the car for a short time, following the manufacturer's recommendation is sufficient.

Does using synthetic oil prolong the oil change interval?

Yes, using synthetic oil can add approximately 1,000 miles to the recommended oil change interval.

Should I change the oil filter every time I change the oil?

Yes, it is recommended to change the oil filter every time you change the oil.

What if I lease or finance a car for a few years?

For medium-term ownership (criteria B), it is recommended to change the oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles or approximately 8,000 kilometers.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, we discuss the frequency of engine oil changes based on different ownership durations.

03:32For long-term ownership (criteria A), change oil every 3,000 miles or approximately 5,000 kilometers.

06:27For medium-term ownership (criteria B), change oil every 5,000 miles or approximately 8,000 kilometers.

08:36For short-term ownership (criteria C), follow the manufacturer's recommendation, usually around 10,000 to 12,000 miles or once a year.