How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Overall, an oil change is a quick and easy maintenance task. We know all cars need it, but things seem to get complicated when it comes to how often they should be scheduled. If you ask three different technicians in Hialeah, Doral, and Miami, Florida you’re sure to get three different answers.
Luckily, Braman Honda in Miami can help clear things up with the free guide below, and give you a better idea of exactly how often your oil needs to be changed.
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When Do I Need To Change My Oil?
Everyone has his or her own opinion about how often a vehicle needs an oil change. We recommend vehicles using synthetic oil have their oil changed every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Cars using conventional oil should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
While this is a good rule of thumb to follow, it’s important to understand these are just general guidelines. To discover the exact mileage and time intervals your car needs an oil change, check its maintenance schedule.
Your specific driving patterns will also play a part in determining how often you need to get your oil changed. Depending on the road conditions you travel through, as well as how long and often you drive, you may need to schedule an oil change sooner than the recommended mileage stated in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Different car engines also require different oil change intervals. Some car engines, such as diesel, require more frequent oil changes since they consume more oil. As a Honda driver, you should be aware that each Honda model comes with recommended oil change intervals. So whether you’re driving a Honda Accord, Civic, or CR-V, oil change intervals can differ.
What Are Signs You Need an Oil Change?
It’s always best to follow a routine oil change schedule for your vehicle. But you also need to be aware of the following warning signs that indicate your oil needs changing:
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- Loud engine noise
- Oil smell outside and in the cabin
- Check engine light/oil change warning light
- Dark or dirty engine oil
These warning signs can occur at any time. As soon as you notice any one of them, have a professional look at your car and schedule an oil change right away. Ignoring these indicators can lead to severe engine damage, decreased fuel economy, and reduced overall performance.
Why Change Your Engine Oil?
Regardless of what some people say, oil changes are a vital maintenance task. Though simple and quick, routine oil changes provide a great deal of performance benefits and even extend the longevity of your vehicle.
Engine oil works to keep internal engine parts lubricated and clean to keep the engine running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. Without them, sludge could build up in the engine and lead to expensive and even irreparable damage under the hood.
Clean oil improves overall performance. Routine oil changes can enhance efficiency and help your vehicle produce a smooth and quiet ride when traveling through Miami, Hialeah, or Doral.
Schedule Your Oil Change Today
Routine oil changes are the key to a long-lasting engine and smooth performance. So next time you find yourself asking how often should you change your oil consult the guide above to understand exactly how often you need to get your oil changed.
If your vehicle is overdue, don’t wait. Contact Braman Honda in Miami to schedule your oil change now.