How Often Does Your Oil Really Need to Be Changed?
One big question that many drivers have is just how often they need to get the oil changed in their European automobile. SimplyEuro explains that it isn’t always as simple as every 3,000 miles. The type of oil you use and how you drive your Audi, Beemer, Benz, MINI, or other European make and model also plays a role in how often you need to swap out the old oil for new oil. Let’s talk about this further.
Double-Check Your Owner’s Manual
Your car’s owner’s manual is the best source of information for when you need to perform all sorts of services, including oil changes. Most manufacturers give a duration of 3,000 to 10,000 miles for oil change intervals. Your vehicle’s manufacturer knows what is best for your specific make, model, and year, so use the owner’s manual as the first part of your guide to oil changes.
Look at Your Driving Habits
There’s more than just how many miles you drive that affects your car’s oil and when it needs to be changed. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in a city setting, that’s hard on your engine and your engine oil breaks down quicker. Likewise, if you load up your car with heavy items or do a lot of towing, that’s rougher on your engine and the oil.
Check the Oil Regularly
One of the best ways for you to get an idea of what’s happening with your car’s motor oil is to check it regularly. When you get in the habit of doing this, you start to notice when oil levels drop, when the oil gets dirtier, and when the oil seems to be getting thicker. These are all signs that you may be getting overdue for an oil change, even if your mileage hasn’t hit the magic number yet.
Pay Attention to Gas Mileage
As your car’s gas mileage gets worse, that’s a sign that there’s something going on. The most common issue affecting gas mileage is dirty oil that needs to be changed. You might be more likely to notice this if you’re already tracking your gas mileage on a regular basis. This is easy to do with a lot of different apps, or you can carry a notebook in the car if you’re okay with doing the math yourself.
If it’s time for your next oil change, Simply Euro in Castle Pines, CO, can help you out. Give us a call and we can schedule an appointment for faster service.