How Often Should You Change The Oil and Oil Filter In Your Car?

Each car on the road requires clean oil and a functional oil filter to perform well. Motor oil deteriorates over time and accumulates dirt, dust, and other debris. When this happens, it is no longer able to protect your engine as it should. The oil filter does its part by catching the debris that builds up over time, but it also gets clogged and needs to be replaced.

If you allow old oil and a plugged-up filter to stay in your vehicle for too long, your engine will start to experience problems. It can lose power, overheat, or consume more fuel than usual. In a worst-case scenario, neglecting oil changes can cause engine damage that is incredibly expensive to fix, or may even require you to get an entirely new engine. To avoid this, maintaining regular oil and filter changes is one of the most crucial aspects of car maintenance.

Standard Oil Change Intervals and What Influences Them

Not every vehicle requires an oil change at the same interval. The oil change timing varies with a couple of factors, like the oil your car requires and the way you drive.

Most cars that use conventional oil need the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For cars with synthetic oil or a type of oil called full synthetic, you can usually go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Synthetic oil is longer-lasting and can tolerate heat and pressure, so it is a great option for most modern engines.

It also depends on your driving habits and conditions. If you make frequent short trips, encounter heavy traffic in San Antonio, or encounter a lot of heat, your oil is likely to wear out faster. All of these conditions cause your engine to work harder and can cause faster contaminant buildup in the oil.

The best way to determine whether it is a good time for an oil change is by looking at your owner’s manual. It contains the maintenance schedule designed for your particular car. Using the schedule can also help you maintain your warranty and keep your car running well.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Vehicle’s Oil or Filter

Sometimes your car will give you unmistakable signs that it is time for an oil change or a fresh filter. Learning what to look out for will save your engine from damage and keep it running as it should.

Check Your Oil Dipstick

One of the simplest things you can do is look at your dipstick. If your oil is a dark color and has a gritty texture, rather than a brown or amber color with a smooth texture, you are probably in need of a oil change. It’s also important to make sure your oil level is between the oil level marks on the dipstick. If it is low, it will cause oil pressure problems and result in subpar engine performance.

Other Warning Signals

Your vehicle will also give you warning signals, like the dashboard oil light or making more noise than usual. This happens because dirty oil can’t lubricate engine components as well, which can cause additional wear and friction. Some other indicators that you need an oil change are:

• Poor fuel efficiency
• Overheating
• Poor acceleration
• Strange odors or smoke

Old oil or plugged oil filters can cause oil flow to decrease and subject your engine to contaminants and sludge. Changing both the oil and the oil filter ensures your car runs efficiently and prevents troubles later.

What an Oil Filter Does and Why You Need To Replace It

Although the oil lubricates your engine components and dissipates heat, the oil filter is equally as important. It’s responsible for filtering out contaminants, sludge, and small particles of metal or dirt that find their way into your engine oil. The oil filter makes sure that the oil is kept as clean as possible while it circulates through your car’s engine.

Eventually, the filter becomes clogged. When this happens, the filter isn’t able to catch anything. A clogged oil filter will cause dirty oil to continue circulating through your engine, leading to wear and tear internally. It also impedes the flow of oil, which stresses your engine even further and can cause the engine temperature to increase.

Running oil through a dirty oil filter is essentially running clean water through a dirty sponge. The same dirt and grime are put onto the oil filter all over again. For that reason, every oil change should be paired with a new oil filter so your engine stays protected and runs its best.

When you’re sending your car to a dealership or an auto shop, both the oil and the filter will typically be changed. It’s a fast and inexpensive process that does a lot for the engine and the lifespan of your car.

How much does an oil and oil filter change cost?

The price for an oil change can also depend on a number of factors. It will primarily depend on the type of oil used, the engine size, and who does the service.

If your car is using standard oil (also known as conventional), it is likely the cheapest. However, if your car requires synthetic oil or full synthetic, you can expect to pay more, as these are longer-lasting and more performing. More powerful engines also consume more motor oil, which again, contributes to the overall expense.

The average oil change will be between $35 and $75, and a synthetic oil change will be between $60 and $120. If you have it changed at a dealership, you might pay a little more, but you will receive genuine parts, certified mechanics, and the ideal amount of oil for your engine.

Changing the oil filter is typically included in the job. However, you should double-check to make sure the shop will do both for you.

Skipping an oil change to cut costs is only going to cause your engine unnecessary damage in the long run, which is much more costly to fix than your regular maintenance. Oil changes extend the life of your engine components, make your car more fuel efficient, and keep your vehicle running longer.

Creating a Vehicle Maintenance Schedule That Will Work

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule for your car is one of the simplest ways to help avoid future problems. Monitoring your oil change interval ensures your engine is well protected and your car is operating efficiently.

Most cars require an oil change and oil filter replacement every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the oil used and your driving habits. If you travel in the heat like we do here in San Antonio, make a lot of short trips, or are in stop-and-go traffic, you might need to get an oil change more often.

The owner’s manual is your best starting point. It will instruct you on the maintenance schedule for changing the oil and what kind is suitable for your car’s engine. Some people also utilize applications or their dealership’s reminders to maintain their vehicles.

Maintaining a regular routine helps you recognize when something is out of the ordinary. If your oil pressure is low, your gas mileage decreases or the oil is dirty when you check the dipstick, you’ll be aware it is shop time.

Why Choose Northside Auto Group in San Antonio for Your Oil Changes

When you need to get your car serviced, the right destination is important. At Northside Auto Group in San Antonio, we ensure oil changes are easy, quick, and trustworthy. No matter what you drive—a Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, or Mercedes-Benz—our expert technicians are familiar with what your specific engine requires.

You can also ask about motor oil, additives, the cost of the oil change, and what type of oil is best for your driving. No matter if it’s conventional, synthetic, or full synthetic, we have you covered. With multiple locations throughout San Antonio, it’s simple to make your next appointment or drop by when the time comes for an oil change.

Maintain Your Engine’s Health With Northside Auto Group

At Northside Auto Group, we’re here to take care of every oil change you need. We make sure that you receive the appropriate type of oil, a fresh filter, and professional service every time. If you have not had your oil changed in a long time, don’t wait until the warning light pops up on your dash. Maintaining your car’s oil now will help you avoid major repairs down the road. Ready for your next oil change? Stop by a Northside Auto Group dealership and keep your engine in top condition.