What Affects Oil Change Frequency: Factoring in Driving Habits and Climate

As a European car owner, you understand the importance of regular oil changes to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prolong its lifespan. But have you ever wondered what factors can affect how frequently your European ride needs an oil change? In this article, we'll explore how factors like driving habits and climate can impact oil change frequency, and why keeping your oil maintained is crucial for your vehicle's overall health.

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The importance of an oil change

Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about the importance of changing your oil. Oil plays a vital role by lubricating the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and wear, and preventing corrosion. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective, which is why regular changes are necessary. In fact, most European car manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, varying depending on the make and model.

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So, what happens if I don’t get an oil change on my European car?

We don’t recommend driving any European car for more than 7,000 miles without an oil change. Approaching low oil levels, your car will start experiencing low performance, low fuel efficiency, and unusual sounds and burning smells may start to emit from your engine. Once your oil runs out, your engine is just minutes away from permanent damage and complete engine failure. So, I think it’s safe to say you should always follow the recommended oil change interval in your owner’s manual and not neglect the oil light on your dashboard. 

Driving Habits

Can the way you drive affect your oil change frequency? Yes.

Here are a couple of driving habits that cause your oil to deplete faster:

Frequent city driving: If you're always driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the constant stop-and-go can cause wear on the engine and reduce the oil life faster.

Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving habits like rapidly accelerating from an idle position, slamming on your breaks, and cutting sharp turns can also increase engine stress and reduce oil life.

(Not only does it damage your transmission, engine, and brakes, but being an agro-driver is not safe for anyone involved. Following street rules is one of the best ways to prevent damage to your car’s inner workings and body.)

Frequent idling: Frequently idling for over 30 minutes at a time can cause your oil to deplete itself much faster. This is because oil does not reach its ideal operating temperature from an idle position. The longer an engine idles, the more motor oil dilutes in your engine, causing an increase in oil consumption.

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On the other hand, drivers who:

Drive mostly on highways: Highway driving tends to be more consistent and less stressful on the engine, making your oil last longer.

Use cruise control: Maintaining one constant speed keeps your engine operating on a smooth cadence and your car will actually consume the least oil. Cruise control also improves fuel efficiency, which can also reduce engine wear.

Don’t speed: Driving at normal speeds prolongs your engine and oil life immensely. Without rapid acceleration and excessive speeding, your engine will operate optimally and consume much less oil.

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Climate

Does the temperature outside affect my oil life?

While climate may not have a direct impact on oil change frequency, it can still play a role in how well your oil performs. Extreme temperatures affect the viscosity of your oil, which can impact its ability to lubricate your engine effectively. 

In some cases, cold temperatures can cause motor oil to coagulate, making it harder for your engine to start. Don’t worry, the average cold front won’t damage your engine. You may notice decreased performance, but that’s normal. You should only be concerned if it lasts long after the weather settles.

Hot temperatures: Hot temperatures can cause regular oil to thin out, reducing its ability to lubricate and protect your engine.

To prevent these effects, we recommend using synthetic oil formulated for European cars. Synthetic oil is designed to provide better performance in extreme temperatures and offers improved fuel efficiency.

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The Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for European car owners:

Improved fuel efficiency: Synthetic oil is designed to reduce friction between moving parts, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Better cold-start performance: Synthetic oil flows more easily in cold temperatures, making it easier for your engine to start.

Increased wear protection: Synthetic oil provides better lubrication and wear protection for your engine's moving parts.

Overall, driving habits can play a role in oil change frequency. However, by being conscious of your driving, and taking steps to reduce stress put on your engine, you can prolong the life of your vehicle and maintain excellent vehicle performance. Additionally, using synthetic oil specifically designed for European cars can help lessen the effects of extreme climate and guarantee optimal performance.

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OIL CHANGES FOR EUROPEAN CARS AT SIMPLY EURO

At SimplyEuro, we emphasize the importance of maintaining your vehicle's health. That's why we recommend following your car’s intended maintenance schedule and using high-quality synthetic oil designed for European cars. Not only is our oil designed specifically for your car, but our team is made up of experts who specialize in providing the best possible care exclusively for European cars.

There’s a reason why people use the term “well-oiled” machine. Let’s make sure yours is, too! Contact us today to schedule an appointment or explore our website to learn more about our services.