How often you should have your oil changed in Memphis, TN
Getting your vehicle serviced regularly is necessary to maintain its value. There are a lot of benchmarks and numbers floating around in regard to when you should have certain services performed on your car, particularly when you should have your oil changed. Especially after synthetic oil was introduced to the market, debate has existed as to how often you should have your oil changed.
Having your oil changed is one of the simplest yet most essential types of service you can have performed on your vehicle. But, how often does it actually have to be done? We're here to answer that question for you.
3,000 Miles: Fact or Fiction?
"Get your oil changed after 3,000 miles" was at one time the standard of mechanics and car owners everywhere. Today, however, practices have shifted. While 3,000 miles was a solid guideline for older cars, mechanics are mostly in consensus today that the number has increased for most models manufactured in the year 2008 or later. The reason for this is that both engine and oil technology have since gotten better. The new recommended mileage is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,500, although older models should stick to a lower threshold, like 5,000. Six months is a good general time frame, so that you can also have your car inspected for other services it may need.
How Do You Drive?
Experts also say that the type of driving you do and the climate where you live can also affect how often you should get your oil changed. A city-dweller may need to have their oil changed as often because the recurrent starting and stopping as well as short driving distance works the engine harder without giving the oil a chance to warm up enough to work at full capacity. Colder climates also lead to poor oil-functionality for the same reason.
Check Your Owner's Manual
The bottom line is that the best idea is to trust your manufacturer's judgment. Nobody knows your car better than the ones who designed and built it. Check your owner's manual to figure out when your particular model should have its oil changed, along with other routine services.
These are primarily general guidelines to give you a better idea about scheduling. Ultimately, the best source to consult would be a mechanic specializing in your car's manufacturer. No two cars are alike, so an expert opinion is always the best option.
Interested in getting your vehicle's oil changed or having another routine service performed? Our service technicians are happy to serve you, so call us at 888-446-6010 or visit us at Chuck Hutton Toyota at 4601 Hutton Way, Memphis, TN 38116 for your appointment. We proudly serve customers from Southaven, Whitehaven and the Goodman Road area!