One question I get a lot about oil changes is how long do you “really” need to go between oil changes. What that really means is to say… “Come on, every 3,000 miles?  Really?”

In an effort to answer that question as completely as possible, I’ll just say this, “You need to change your oil at about the 3,000 mile mark if you have been doing any of the following on a regular basis:

1. Driving on dirt or dusty roads
2. Pulling boats or RV’s with your vehicle
3. If your vehicle has been sitting without being used much in the last 3-4 months (this means you won’t have 3k on the oil! )
4. If your engine has more than 150,000 miles on it.

What can get extra miles out of your oil?

    If you have been doing lots of long distance travel without pulling stuff… add 1,000 miles to your oil change. No one will ding you on the head for it. 

The main thing to remember is that the entire reason for your car being a car is due to the engine that makes it go. If you want that to last a long time, then treat it like you want it to last. It will repay you in longer, trouble free life if you do.