Should you follow the mileage or date for oil change?

It’s not just about miles: If you don’t drive your car a lot, your oil still needs to be kept fresh. Even if you drive fewer miles each year than your automaker suggests changing the oil (say, 6,000 miles, with suggested oil-change intervals at 7,500 miles), you should still be getting that oil changed twice a year.

Should I change my oil before the light comes on?

Over time, oil accumulates contaminants and loses viscosity (the ability to flow into every nook and cranny). Contaminants cause friction as parts rub together. Waiting for the low oil light to come on can be the worst thing you can do to your engine. You shouldn’t see that light unless your oil level is low.

When should I change my oil color?

If the oil is a dark-brown or black color, like Coca-Cola, then your oil needs to be changed. However, if it appears to be lighter, like the color of a cup of tea, then you still have some time before it needs to be changed. Changing your oil is a quick and easy auto maintenance fix, so don’t be intimidated.

How long can I wait to get an oil change after the light comes on?

On vehicles with an oil change light, an oil change is needed when the light remains on after startup. It’s best to schedule the oil change within one to two weeks. If you primarily do highway driving, you have a little more breathing room than city driving.

How long should oil light stay on?

Though most manufacturers have discovered this function helps to improve engine oil life, some has made this function obsolete. Typically, when you start off your engine, the oil service oil should come on for about two seconds then it stops. If this light stays on, it will mean your vehicle needs oil or filter change.

What color is bad engine oil?

What does black engine oil mean? Engine oil that’s turned from a dark shade of amber to black could be a sign that your oil is old, especially if it is thick or sludgy.

How often do you really need an oil change?

While getting an oil change every 3,000 miles was once the norm, the manufacturers of today’s cars usually recommend longer mileage intervals.

How do I determine how many miles between oil changes?

Look in your owner’s manual. In the scheduled maintenance section, the manual tells you how many miles or how much time you can allow between oil changes. Most manufacturers also recommend changing the oil filter — an inexpensive item — when you change the oil. Many owner’s manuals list oil change schedules for severe and normal driving.

Is a 3000 mile oil change really necessary?

“The necessity of 3,000 mile oil changes is a myth that has been handed down for decades,” writes Austin Davis, proprietor of the website TrustMyMechanic.com.

Should I change my oil if I have a low-mileage car?

Be sure when you do change your oil that the shop follows the manufacturer’s recommendations, or you could possibly cause engine damage to your low-mileage car. For more tips, read Bankrate’s “Don’t scrimp on your oil change.”