How many miles can you go over an oil change? This is a question that a lot of drivers are asking these days. With the price of gas rising, people are looking for ways to save money on their car expenses.
One way to do this is by extending how often you get your oil changed. Many believe they can go 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes if synthetic oil is used. This blog post will explore how many miles you can go over an oil change and what factors will affect this number.
When Should I Get My Next Oil Change?
Nowadays, carmakers usually recommend drivers get their oil changed every 7,500 miles. If your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you could drive up to 15,000 miles before needing another change. However, if you drive a high-performance car, you might need to change your oil more often. The same is true if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in city traffic.
These are just general guidelines, though. You should always consult your car’s owner’s manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends you change your oil.
What Happens If I Go Over The Recommended Mileage For An Oil Change?
If you go over the recommended mileage for an oil change, it’s not the end of the world. Your car will probably be fine. However, if you continue to drive without getting your oil changed, eventually, dirt and debris will build up in your engine oil. This can lead to decreased performance and fuel economy as well as increased wear and tear on your engine components. So while you might be able to get away with going a few thousand miles over an oil change, it’s not something you should make a habit of.
The actual function of the lubricant isn’t limited to lubrication; it also involves collecting and removing spent shavings fragments from engine parts throughout the operation. Consequently, if the oil is not changed for a long time, it will become severely polluted, and most of its properties will be lost, resulting in accelerated wear of engine working components.
If you find yourself needing an oil change, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your engine oil. First, if your car has an oil filter, make sure to change it simultaneously as your oil. This will help remove any contaminants that might have gotten into your oil. Second, use the highest quality engine oil that you can afford. This will help to keep your engine clean and running smoothly.
Checking The Car To See if an Oil Change is Needed
If you’re unsure of how often to get your oil changed, there are a few things you can do to check and see if an oil change is needed.
First, check the color of your engine oil. If it’s black or dark brown, it’s time for an oil change.
Second, check the smell. If your oil smells burnt, it’s time for an oil change.
Finally, take a look at your car’s performance. If you notice decreased fuel economy or increased engine noise, those could be signs that you need an oil change.
Bad Engine Oil Symptoms
If you don’t change your engine oil, eventually, the dirt and debris will build up and lead to decreased performance. You might also experience increased wear and tear on your engine components.
Some other symptoms of bad engine oil are:
- Your car’s engine makes noise
- You notice decreased fuel economy
- Your car’s oil smells burnt
- Your car’s oil is black or dark brown
- Your car’s exhaust emits dark smoke
Dirt and grime can build up in your engine oil if you don’t change it, and this can result in lower performance, fuel economy, and greater wear on your engine components. So while going a few thousand miles over an oil change may be acceptable for you, it’s not something you should do regularly.
Instances Of More Frequent Oil Changes
Even if you use synthetic oil and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, there are still some instances where you might need to get your oil changed more often.
- If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you might need to get your oil changed more often.
- If you drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you might need to get your oil changed more often.
- If you tow a trailer or carry heavy loads, you might need to get your oil changed more often.
These are just a few examples. If you’re unsure how often to change your oil, consult your car’s owner’s manual or talk to a qualified mechanic. They’ll be able to help you determine how often you should get your oil changed based on your driving habits and the conditions you typically drive in.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil In Months?
How often you should change your oil in months depends on how many miles you drive. If you only drive a few thousand miles a year, you can probably get by changing your oil once a year or every other year. However, if you drive more than that, then you’ll need to change your oil more frequently.
In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and change your oil more often rather than less often. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and prolong its life. While the answer to how many miles you can go over an oil change isn’t cut and dry, hopefully, this blog post has given you some things to think about. Remember to consult your car’s owner’s manual.
