Suggested Oil Change Intervals
For petroleum-based (conventional) oils, you should change the oil and oil filter at a maximum of every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. This change interval presumes your driving habits include certain situations that put extra demands on your oil (like more cooling, more lubricating or more contamination buildup). This change interval means your driving includes any ONE OR MORE of the following "severe" conditions:
- Driving when the outside temperature remains below freezing or when most trips are less than 10 miles (that is, engine never reaches operating temperature).
- Driving in "stop-and go" (rush hour) traffic, especially in hot weather.
- Towing a trailer or camper, or using a car-top carrier.
- Driving in extremely dusty or dirty conditions such as off-road or through deserts.
- Frequent idling such as taxi or delivery service.
- Using an engine with a turbocharger.
- High speed driving for extended periods.
Most drivers place their cars in at least one severe operating condition and therefore should have their oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles. Furthermore, if your driving habits includes three or more of the above conditions, even for a short time period, you are driving under super-severe conditions. The mileage driven under those conditions should be doubled when calculating the remaining mileage until the next oil change. For example, if you are towing a trailer for an extended period at high speed through a dusty desert, the oil should be changed after 1,500 miles, since it is really the equivalent of 3,000 miles of severe wear.
Under "normal" conditions, the oil and oil filter may be changed every three months or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. Normal conditions, according to many vehicle manufacturers, include ONLY steady driving at moderate speeds in a moderate, dust-free climate with no extra loads (like towing). Since very few cars are actually driven in these ideal and nearly perfect conditions, "normal" is generally not an accurate description . If in doubt, error on the conservative side. It is far better to change the oil slightly more often than is actually needed than to change it less often than is needed.
If your engine contains synthetic oil, change it according to the oil manufacturer's recommendations.