Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
What happens if I go too long without an oil change?
Complete Engine Failure – If you go long enough without an oil change, it could cost you a car. Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.
How many miles over oil change is safe?
Advances in engine technology over the years have made it possible for you to go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. If your car uses synthetic oil, you can go for even longer between oil changes: 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
What are the signs that you need an oil change?
10 Common Signs You Need an Oil Change
- Knocking sound from engine. Oil helps the engine run smoothly.
- Irregular oil texture.
- Low oil level.
- Glowing of warning lights.
- Exhaust smoke.
- Vibrations when idling.
- More travel than usual.
- Issues in changing gears.
How long can I go without changing my oil? – Related Questions
What does a car sound like when it needs oil?
When there’s not enough oil, moving parts within the engine do not get the lubrication they need. This allows them to make physical, metal-to-metal contact, which can cause a light tapping or knocking sound.
How often do you really need oil change?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car’s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
Can I change oil every 2 years?
Simply put, as a general rule, manufacturers recommend that you change the oil for a gasoline engine every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or about once a year for “regular” usage (frequent but not intensive) or once every 2 years if used less frequently.
What does an oil change light look like?
This light looks like a genie lamp with a drop coming out of the end, but in some models it is a red light that says OIL. Any red warning light that your vehicle displays is an indication that your vehicle needs maintenance as soon as possible to avoid serious damage.
Can I just add oil to my car?
Topping up your oil is typically not recommended unless the level is below the minimum mark. If you’re running low on oil, however, topping off may help you get to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for an oil change service.
Can you go 2000 miles over oil change?
Definitely. Most cars recommend 7500 miles for changes from factory. Synthetics can go 10,000 or more. 3000 mile oil changes were made up so oil companies could sell more oil.
Why have I not changed my oil in 2 years?
When oil has not been changed for a long time, it will begin to gel or solidify in an engine, eventually turning into sludge. When this happens, the oil will not be able to reach all parts of the engine, leading to oil starvation in the crankshafts, bearings, camshafts, and other valve train components.
Are oil changes really necessary?
Oil changes are just one of the many minor hassles of car ownership, but they’re crucial to keeping your car in good shape. Of course, if you don’t change your oil on time and with the proper products, it could void your car’s warranty.
How long can you go without servicing your car?
Most manufacturers recommend having a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But this depends on your car and how you drive it. You can check your logbook to see when your car was last serviced.
Is it illegal not to service your car?
FALSE: “Servicing your vehicle is a legal requirement”
While regular servicing is highly recommended to keep your vehicle in good shape, unlike an MOT check, an annual service is not a legal requirement, nor is it a pre-requisite to insuring your vehicle.
What can happen if you dont service your car?
By not servicing your car you are likely to find that its performance may deteriorate. This may mean that you start to hear strange noises, have little problems with general running and lights start to pop up all over the dashboard.
Do you legally need to service your car every year?
There is no legal reason why you should service your car every year, but if you want to keep your car running smoothly and safely, then it’s a must. There are many reasons why you should have your car serviced but knowing whether it needs a service is dependent on the car’s model, age, mileage and how it’s driven.
Can I delay my car service?
Not having your car serviced could well result in increased emissions to the point where you could be in danger of failing your MOT, as well as suffering reduced fuel economy, making it more expensive to drive your vehicle.
Is a full service worth it?
A full-service history shows potential buyers that a car’s been well looked after and should be reliable, as it’s been checked over at regular intervals by a professional. It also helps people discover the true mileage, so they don’t end up with a clocked car.
How much is it to service a car?
How much does a basic service typically cost? A thorough service can range from $120 – $300+ depending on what your vehicle is (as parts and oil costs can vary) as well as what content is included by the mechanic.
How long does a full service take?
A full service is a check of the whole car, so will take longer. It may take around 3 hours.
