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When should you change your oil in your used car?

 

One of the most common and important questions our car experts get at Airport Auto Sales is when should one change their oil in their used car. There is so much misconception and misinformation on this topic, so our car experts are here to help you clear those out.

 

After how many miles should you change your oil in your used car?

 

A friend or colleague may have told you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, this may no longer be relevant depending on the type and age of the vehicle you own. This may be a good benchmark to some used or older cars. But there are many factors to consider when your car is due for an oil change.

Oil change intervals are affected by a variety of factors, including the type of oil your car uses, the age of your vehicle, and driving conditions.

You might also want to consult your owner’s manual in addition to these benchmarks. Also, it provides information on the type of oil that works for a certain vehicle.

 

What is the recommended engine oil change interval for newer car models? 

 

Easier maintenance is one of the advantages of owning newer car models. In comparison with an older vehicle, a new car often has systems in place to tell you when you need to get an oil change or other maintenance. The latest vehicles come with advanced technology that monitors and alerts you when the oil needs to be changed.

A car’s owner’s manual might not include severe service recommendations, due to the vehicle’s internal system that determines how you drive and what conditions affect your oil.

Your owner’s manual may mention that you can reset the oil monitor system when it is time for an oil change. The safest way to do an oil change though is to have a certified technician from Airport Auto Sales handle the troubles for you.

 

What if you have an older car model?

 

If you drive an older vehicle, your car’s mileage may dictate an oil change schedule. Depending on your driving history, your vehicle may require two different maintenance types. There are generally two service types: normal and severe service. It may surprise you what constitutes severe behavior:

• You often drive on short trips.
• City driving which has constant stop and go traffic.
• You often carry very heavy loads in your car.
• Extreme heat or cold weather conditions.

In reality many car owners may need to consider the severe service type while most people believe their driving conditions fit the normal service type. So if you always drive within the city limits which requires constant stopping and often make short trips you may need more frequent oil change than you may have thought.

 

Is it better to change the oil frequently?

 

Getting frequent oil changes is important, but it will not improve your vehicle’s performance. Even though too frequent oil changes might not harm your car, they are certainly bad for your wallet if you exceed the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for oil changes. There are better ways to spend money on your car than frequent oil changes.

A thing to keep in mind when changing your oil is that it’s not just about how many miles you travel. Even if you have low mileage on your car, you will need to change your oil regularly to ensure maximum performance and repair safety.

So your safest option is to visit your friendly local car experts at Airport Auto Sales to get a better understanding when you need an oil change for your beloved car.

 

Why visit Airport Auto Sales for your car’s oil change?

 

Here at Airport Auto Sales we have 20 years of experience with selling used cars, buy here pay here and auto service & repairs the following locations: Fredericksburg, VA, Richmond, VA, Stafford, VA, Alexandria, VA, Woodbridge, VA, Alexandria, VA, Arlington, Fairfax, VA, Manassas, VA. Our certified technicians will properly evaluate your car and give you honest advice on what your used car’s needs are and a friendly competent service that will make you and your beloved car always running in its peak performance.