How Often Do You Really Need an Oil Change? Myths vs. Facts

The old rule of thumb about performing an oil change every 3,000 miles might have worked in previous decades, but now it only unnecessarily burns through your money. At HI-TECH Automotive we want to ensure that the St. Peters, MO drivers under our care have the right information to ensure that they get the maintenance they need. Learn the facts about oil changes!

Myth: You Have to Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

Fact: This rule of thumb applied to cars much earlier in history when modern motor oil had not been invented yet

Most modern motor oil, from conventional to full-synthetic, has an estimated 5,000- 7,500 mile interval between changes in normal driving conditions. The best resource for information about how often your car needs an oil change is the owner's manual. Many modern cars feature an oil life monitor that can calculate your oil change interval based on your average driving conditions. Some newer cars even have full-synthetic oil as the factory fill, and require an oil change between 10,000-15,000 miles or more.

Myth: Dark Oil Means It's Time to Change Your Oil

Fact: Dark oil is perfectly normal and healthy!

As motor oil ages it naturally becomes darker in color, as it accumulates deposits of engine gunk to help keep your engine clean. When you first buy motor oil it should be a light amber color with a slight transparency to it, but this is only ideal for a few hours directly after an oil change. The most important variables for determining if your oil needs to be changed are the consistency, smell, and level of the oil. If your oil looks milky or has a whitish appearance around the dipstick it might be a sign of coolant contamination, and if it looks especially thick or has a gritty texture it might be sign of metal debris from excessive engine wear.

Myth: You Should Always Use the Same Brand of Motor Oil

Fact: While brand loyalty is not a bad thing, it is much more important to use the correct type and weight of motor oil for your vehicle.

Make sure that the oil you're using has specifications on the container that match the specifications your car requires. At HI- TECH Automotive we use only the highest quality motor oils that are approved by our mechanics. For drivers looking for oil change st peters mo, following the manufacturer's recommended oil specifications is an important part of proper vehicle maintenance.

Myth: Switching to Synthetic Oil Will Cause Leaks in Older Cars

Fact: This long-standing myth in the automotive world has been proven false.

In the early 2000s when modern synthetic oil was first being developed, switching to synthetic oil could potentially cause leaks or oil consumption in very old engines, but those days are over. In fact, modern synthetic motor oils are healthy for your engine, and can even help reduce deposits that cause leaks. If your older car has existing deposits on the valve cover or around the engine, switching to synthetic oil might even cause leaks to appear, but this is only because those deposits have become unstuck. If you suspect that your car has leaks, bring it to HI-TECH Automotive and we'll make sure those leaks are taken care of.

Myth: Driving Beyond Your Scheduled Oil Change Will Damage Your Engine

Fact: Driving a few extra hundred miles or a few extra weeks beyond your normal oil change interval will not harm your engine, unless you drive significantly beyond it

Modern motor oil is much healthier for your engine and has a much higher tolerance than the older oils of the past. In fact, many cars today require driving thousands of additional miles in between oil changes than in previous decades. However, regularly driving beyond the limits of your oil change schedule will accelerate deposits forming in your engine, putting a strain on your oil pump and potentially causing catastrophic engine failure.

What Affects Oil Change Intervals

There are many factors that contribute to how often you should change your oil, including how often you drive short, five mile or less, jaunts and whether or not you frequently idle your vehicle. These types of driving patterns put undue stress on your engine and can prematurely age your oil

Hotter weather, colder weather, and driving in severe traffic conditions also count as harsher conditions for your engine.

The most important thing to maintain a healthy engine is a set schedule for oil changes, which should be specified in the owner's manual for your vehicle. Modern cars and motor oil can handle much more than the old 3,000 mile interval with ease, and using outdated information will only ruin your motor oil budget. Whether you're using conventional or full-synthetic oil, the certified mechanics at HI-TECH Automotive will help you figure out the correct oil change interval for your car. Stop by for your next oil change in St. Peters, MO!