To make your car run smoothly without any disruptions, it is necessary that you maintain each and every part properly and get your car repaired properly from a professional, whenever it faces problems. Engine oil is one such component of the car, that is essential for the internal combustion of the engine fuel. The engine oil actually acts as a lubricant to the other moving parts in the engine. Like all other things, the engine oil also faces aging and over a period when dust particles and contaminants start clogging it, thus reducing its efficiency and eventually making it useless. To avoid such a damage, it is necessary to change the engine oil at regular intervals.
Frequency of Oil Change
Ideally your car needs an oil change after every 3 months or 3000 miles under severe conditions. Speaking in today’s terms, car engines are designed in such a way that they won’t require an oil change until the completion of 5000 – 6000 miles under normal conditions. Some manufacturers have also claimed their car engines to be efficient enough to go a long way, up to 10000 miles under normal conditions, with the same oil.
I have mentioned the terms ‘normal’ and ‘severe’ conditions in the above information. Your oil change frequency largely depends upon these conditions. Normal conditions are quite easy to understand. These conditions involve normal driving on plain roads, in pleasant weather and driving the car at a uniform speed. Severe conditions on the other hand are, very hot and humid weather or very cold weather (below 10 degree Fahrenheit), driving in high traffic and using the brakes frequently, making short trips of less than 4 – 5 miles and regularly driving the car on damaged roads. Driving a car in normal conditions might reduce the oil change frequency. However, you need to keep a check on the engine oil if you drive regularly in severe conditions.
Dangers of Using Used Oil
Used oil is generally not recommended by any of the automobile manufacturers. There are two reasons behind this. The first one being damage to the car engine and the second one being environmental concern. Certainly, used oil is a hazard for environment. It is insoluble and remains in the air for a long time. It consists of many toxins and heavy metal particles, which contribute to air pollution and are also harmful for those suffering from respiratory disorders. Therefore it is advised that you keep an eye on the efficiency of the engine oil and get it changed whenever required.
So, when to change oil in car? I hope you know it now, as I have not only explained the frequency needed for oil change, but also made you aware of the alarming effects of using used oil. When in doubt, you can always refer to the manufacturer’s manual of your car and get the doubt clarified.