How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?

Most modern cars that use synthetic oil can go about 7,500 to 10,000 miles or roughly 6 to 12 months between oil changes, but you should follow your vehicle’s oil-life monitor and owner’s manual for the exact interval; harsh driving conditions may shorten that to about 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 6 months. The right interval depends on your engine, the oil specification it requires, your driving patterns, and whether your car uses an oil-life monitoring system.

What Automakers Recommend Today

Over the past decade, intervals have lengthened as engines and oils improved. Many manufacturers now design maintenance schedules around synthetic oil and smart oil-life monitoring systems (OLMs) that adjust intervals based on driving and temperature. Typical guidance for mainstream gasoline vehicles falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles or 12 months, with some European brands allowing up to 15,000 miles on long-life oils and filters. Conversely, certain brands and turbocharged or performance engines still specify shorter cycles, often 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Always confirm your model’s requirements in the owner’s manual, including the exact oil grade and specification (e.g., API/SP, ILSAC GF-6, Dexos, VW/Audi, BMW LL, Mercedes-Benz MB approvals).

When to Change Oil More Frequently

Your interval should shrink if your vehicle experiences “severe service”—conditions that accelerate oil degradation through heat, contamination, or frequent cold starts. If these apply, consider the shorter (or “severe”) schedule in your manual, typically around 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months.

• Frequent short trips (especially under 5–10 miles) where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature
• Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold climates)
• Towing, hauling heavy loads, or mountain driving
• Stop-and-go traffic or extended idling (rideshare, delivery, police/taxi duty)
• Dusty or unpaved roads, farm/ranch environments, off-roading
• High-performance or turbocharged engines driven hard
• Known fuel dilution issues (common with some direct-injection engines, especially in cold weather)

If one or more of these factors matches your routine, adopting the severe-service interval helps protect the engine and may be required to maintain warranty coverage.

How to Pick the Right Interval for Your Car

Use this practical checklist to tailor an oil-change cadence that fits your specific vehicle, oil type, and driving habits.

1. Check your owner’s manual: Find both normal and severe schedules and the exact oil spec and viscosity.
2. Follow your oil-life monitor (OLM) if equipped: It accounts for trip length, temperature, and load; change when it alerts you or annually, whichever comes first.
3. Assess your driving pattern: If you do lots of short trips, towing, or dusty-road driving, use the severe schedule.
4. Use the right oil and filter: Choose oil that meets the OEM specification; pair it with a quality filter rated for the intended mileage.
5. Mind time as well as miles: Even low-mileage cars generally need an oil change every 6–12 months to combat moisture and fuel dilution.
6. Monitor oil level and condition: Check monthly; top up if needed and consider an earlier change if oil smells like fuel or looks unusually thin or gritty.
7. Keep records: Save receipts and note mileage/dates to preserve warranty and resale value.

By aligning manufacturer guidance with your real-world use and proper oil/filter choices, you’ll protect engine longevity without over- or under-servicing.

Low-Mileage and Infrequent Drivers

If you drive only a few thousand miles per year, time—not mileage—sets the interval. Moisture, acids, and fuel dilution accumulate with repeated cold starts and short trips. Many automakers recommend changing oil at least annually even if you haven’t reached the mileage limit; some severe schedules suggest every 6 months. Verify your manual’s time-based guidance and follow the OLM if your car has one.

Diesel, Hybrids, and EVs

Light-duty diesels often have manufacturer-specific oil specifications and can run longer intervals when using approved low-ash oils and larger filters—but frequent towing or idling shortens them. Hybrids follow similar guidance as gasoline cars; short-trip usage can still warrant earlier changes. EVs do not require engine oil changes but still need periodic gearbox or reduction-gear fluid service per the maintenance schedule.

Warranty and Cost Considerations

Sticking to the manual’s normal or severe schedule—and documenting it—keeps warranties intact. Using the proper specification oil (not just the viscosity) matters. Stretching beyond the recommended interval without an OLM or lab analysis risks sludge formation, varnish, and accelerated wear, while changing far too early increases cost and waste without clear benefit in most modern engines.

Bottom Line

For most newer vehicles on synthetic oil, plan for 7,500–10,000 miles or 6–12 months, defer to the OLM or the owner’s manual, and adopt the severe-service schedule if your driving is extreme. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your engine and oil spec.

Summary

Recommended oil-change intervals vary by vehicle, oil type, and driving conditions. Modern cars on synthetic oil typically go 7,500–10,000 miles or 6–12 months, with oil-life monitors providing the most accurate cue. Severe service—short trips, towing, extreme temps, dusty roads—calls for shorter intervals around 3,000–5,000 miles or 6 months. Always use oil that meets the manufacturer’s specification, pair it with a quality filter, and keep records to protect your engine and warranty.

Does oil need to be changed every 6 months?

Yes, your engine oil should be changed at least every 6 months, even if you haven’t driven the recommended mileage, because oil degrades over time due to moisture, contaminants, and oxidation, which can lead to engine damage. The ideal interval can vary, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations, but a general rule of thumb for most gasoline engines is to change the oil every 5,000-7,500 miles or every 6-12 months, whichever comes first. 
Why Oil Needs Timely Changes

• Deterioration: Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, regardless of how much you drive. 
• Contaminants: Combustion creates moisture, carbon, and other contaminants that build up in the oil. 
• Moisture and Acid: Even short trips cause moisture to accumulate in the engine, which, when combined with petroleum-based oil, can form corrosive acids, according to Quora. 
• Oxidation: The oil can oxidize over time, which darkens the oil and makes it less effective at lubricating the engine. 

Factors Affecting Oil Change Intervals

• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabSome manufacturers may suggest more frequent changes for diesel engines, turbocharged engines, or high-performance vehicles. 
• Oil Type: Opens in new tabSynthetic oils typically last longer than conventional oils, but still benefit from regular changes. 
• Driving Conditions: Opens in new tabSevere driving conditions like frequent short trips, towing heavy loads, or driving in dusty environments can necessitate more frequent oil changes. 

What to Do

• Check Your Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabAlways consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. 
• Follow the 6-Month Guideline: Opens in new tabIf you don’t drive much, stick to the 6-month time frame to ensure your engine gets fresh oil. 
• Consider Oil-Life Monitors: Opens in new tabSome newer vehicles have an oil-life monitor that can provide a more accurate indication of when an oil change is needed. 

Is it good to change oil every 2 months?

You should get oil changed every 12 months (give or take a little) no matter the miles. Past that the oil starts to get contaminated by water from condensation and humidity. 3000 miles or 20000 miles, 12 months is really the limit with modern oils.

Is 2 years too long for an oil change?

No, you should not go two years without an oil change, as most automakers recommend changing oil at least once a year, regardless of mileage. While some modern vehicles with full synthetic oil driven sparingly on long highway trips might get by for two years, doing so risks accelerated engine wear, reduced performance, and potential damage from oil breakdown and accumulation of contaminants and byproducts of combustion, even when the car is not in use. 
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Two Years

• Oil Degradation: Oil breaks down over time due to heat, friction, and pollutants, even when the car is not driven extensively. 
• Contaminants: Over time, oil collects moisture and combustion byproducts like acids, which can corrode engine parts and reduce the oil’s lubricating ability. 
• Reduced Performance: Neglecting oil changes can lead to increased fuel consumption, a smoky exhaust, unusual engine noises, and overall reduced engine performance. 
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Loss: While you might avoid the cost of an oil change in the short term, in the long term, you risk significant engine wear and damage. 

What to Do Instead

• Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the best source for the correct oil change interval for your specific make and model. 
• Check for Time or Mileage Limits: Even if you don’t drive much, manufacturers typically have a time limit for oil changes, such as one year, that should not be exceeded. 
• Consider Oil Type and Usage: High-quality synthetic oils offer longer life, but even with these, the oil will degrade over time. Your driving conditions also matter; frequent short trips and idling degrade oil faster than regular, long highway drives. 

How often do I really need an oil change?

You generally need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or at least once a year, but always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. Driving conditions, such as frequent short trips, heavy loads, or stop-and-go traffic, are considered severe and require more frequent changes, possibly every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or six months. 
Key Factors to Consider

• Owner’s Manual: This is the most important resource for determining your specific oil change interval. 
• Vehicle Technology: Modern cars and oils are designed for longer intervals than the outdated “every 3,000 miles” rule. 
• Driving Conditions:
  • Severe Conditions: Short trips (under 5 miles, especially in cold weather), extensive idling, frequent towing, or commercial use all break down oil faster. 
  • Normal Conditions: Mostly highway driving with long, consistent trips is less taxing on the oil. 
• Oil Type:
  • Conventional Oil: Requires more frequent changes, often around 5,000-7,500 miles. 
  • Synthetic Oil: Offers superior protection and lasts longer, with intervals potentially reaching 10,000 miles or more. 
• Time vs. Mileage: Oil degrades over time due to moisture and heat, even if you don’t drive much, so you should still change it at least every six months to a year, even if you haven’t hit the mileage limit. 

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?
Neglecting your oil changes can lead to the oil losing its ability to lubricate and protect the engine, causing increased heat and wear. This can result in severe engine damage or even total engine failure. 
When to Change Sooner 

• If you experience severe driving conditions.
• If your oil looks black and dirty.
• If your vehicle’s instrument cluster has an oil life monitor, follow its guidance.