How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

As of 2023, around 22 million Americans regularly worked from home. That’s more than double 2019 numbers, and for those of us lucky enough to have such a option, skipping the daily commute means we’re driving our cars a lot less. But, that doesn’t mean we can forget about changing our oil.

“Motor oil is essential for engine health,” says Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. “As it circulates through our engine over time, it picks up dirt, metal shavings and other debris, reducing its efficacy until it can no longer properly lubricate and your engine may eventually break down and need to be replaced.”

If you’ve been driving less often than usual, you may be wondering how your vehicle’s oil change schedule might be affected. Read on to learn why changing your oil is still important, and determine whether you should make any changes to your vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule.

Also, find out what happens when gas gets old and what you can do to ensure your engine is running efficiently.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Your vehicle’s manufacturer likely lists a mileage-based and a time-based oil change schedule in the user manual. It often recommends changing your oil at whichever interval comes first. If you drive a lot, you’ll hit the mileage marker first. But, since engine oil degrades with time, it’s just as important to change it when the time-based interval has been reached. The general recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, with twice a year being the minimum.

Newer vehicles don’t typically require oil changes as frequently as older vehicles, and vehicles that use synthetic oil can go longer without a replacement than those using conventional oil. In any case, you should check your oil at least once a month to ensure it isn’t low or noticeably dirty. Also, find out the cost of an oil change.

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Engine oil naturally degrades over time, so failing to regularly replace it can cause premature engine wear or permanent damage.

“It can lead to a plethora of expensive car problems from overheating to all-out engine failure,” says Julie Bausch Lent, managing editor of Car Talk. “Old, dirty oil can cause engine damage, so make sure to invest in this relatively inexpensive service to save you from a very expensive repair in the future.”

Engine oil is so important to keep clean because it keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated. It also contains ingredients that prevent dirt, contaminants, acids and moisture from collecting and corroding your engine. Over time, the anti-corrosive ingredients break down while contaminants and moisture accumulate.

Vehicles that sit unused for long periods are especially vulnerable to engine moisture. This is because they aren’t producing the heat from normal operation responsible for evaporating moisture and condensation. Regularly changing your oil is important. But you should also drive your car for 20 to 30 minutes once a week to clear moisture. Do electric cars need oil changes? No. Battery-powered EVs require fewer frequent services than fossil fuel-powered cars.

What Type of Motor Oil Should You Use If You’re Not Driving Much?

Stick to the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, though you may consider synthetic engine oil if you’re not already doing so. Synthetic oil is considerably more expensive than conventional oil. However, it’s more moisture resistant and doesn’t need to be changed as frequently.

“If you mainly drive short trips or drive infrequently, you should consider synthetic oil,” says Watson. “If you’re mainly driving long distances or have an older vehicle, consider a high-mileage synthetic oil to maintain performance and protect against wear and tear.”

There are different oil types for extreme weather, too. In extreme heat, you’ll want something with high-temperature stability. In extreme cold, you’ll want a low-viscosity oil, which will help for cold starts, says Watson.

Some people may recommend using an oil additive to protect a dormant engine. Keep in mind, however, that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed multiple lawsuits against additive manufacturers for false claims and deceptive marketing practices. Use your best judgment if you decide to use an additive. Make sure the one you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s engine oil. Otherwise, it can damage your engine.

The safest and most reliable way to preserve the integrity of your engine oil is to adhere to the oil type and service intervals recommended in the user manual. Part of that means periodically driving your car to burn off excessive moisture.

FAQ

Can I change my oil myself?

Yes, definitely, and all you need to get started is a jack and jack stands, so you can safely get under your vehicle, a funnel, a drain pan, oil filter wrench (optional) and a wrench to remove the drain plug. “Changing your oil is a straightforward task, and a great DIY project to save money or learn more about your vehicle,” says Watson.

How can I tell if my car needs an oil change?

Keep track of your mileage and time, and change it at the recommended interval. If you have a newer car, the computer will also tell you when it’s time to change your oil.

“You can also pull out your dipstick and check what the oil looks like,” says Waston. “Does it look like honey? Or is it brown and dirty? If it’s the latter, you need a change.”

About the Experts

• Duane “Doc” Watson is a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. He has more than 45 years of experience in automotive repair, has trained thousands of technicians and earned many industry awards, including Chevrolet Technician of the Year and Buick Service Master of the Year.
• Julie Bausch Lent is managing editor of Car Talk, the digital content iteration of the long-running NPR show about all things automotive.