How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?

Most modern cars running full-synthetic oil need an oil change about every 7,500–10,000 miles or roughly once a year; older vehicles or those using conventional oil often require changes every 3,000–5,000 miles or about every six months. The exact interval depends on your vehicle’s manufacturer guidance, your driving conditions, and whether your car uses an oil-life monitoring system.

The General Rules Today

While older advice stuck to a strict 3,000-mile rule, advances in engine design and oil chemistry have extended service intervals for many drivers. Here’s how typical recommendations break down by vehicle and oil type.

• Full-synthetic oil (most modern gasoline engines): 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months; some European/OEM-approved oils and vehicles allow up to 15,000 miles where specified by the manufacturer.
• Conventional or synthetic-blend oil (older engines or specific OEM specs): 3,000–5,000 miles or about 6 months.
• European brands with flexible/condition-based servicing (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW/Audi): typically 10,000–15,000 miles or 12 months, guided by sensors and strict oil specifications/approvals.
• Light-duty diesel pickups/SUVs: commonly 5,000–7,500 miles (time limit often 6–12 months); always follow the engine maker’s schedule, which can vary widely.
• Hybrids: intervals usually mirror the base gasoline engine’s recommendations; electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have engine oil changes at all.

These ranges are baselines, not absolutes. Always defer to your owner’s manual and any in-car oil-life monitor, which reflect the needs of your specific engine.

Trust the Owner’s Manual and Oil-Life Monitor

Your owner’s manual lists the official interval for “normal” and “severe” driving. Many late-model cars also calculate oil life based on starts, trips, load, temperature, and more. If your vehicle has an oil-life monitor, follow it—but still respect the maximum time limit (commonly one year) even if you’ve driven few miles.

What Determines Your Interval

Several factors can shorten or extend how long your oil lasts. Understanding them helps you tailor maintenance to your real-world driving, not just a generic number.

• Driving profile: frequent short trips, lots of idling, stop‑and‑go traffic, towing, or hauling stress oil more than steady highway miles.
• Climate and environment: extreme heat or cold, dusty or unpaved roads, and high humidity accelerate oil degradation and contamination.
• Engine design: turbocharged and gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines can experience higher thermal stress or fuel dilution, often warranting shorter intervals.
• Oil specification and approvals: using the correct grade and spec (e.g., API SP/ILSAC GF‑6, ACEA categories, or OEM approvals like VW/Audi, BMW Longlife, MB) affects longevity and warranty compliance.
• Vehicle age and mileage: older engines or those with wear may consume oil or contaminate it faster.
• Warranty and maintenance plans: adhering to OEM schedules protects coverage and resale value.

When in doubt, base your interval on the stricter of your driving conditions or the manufacturer’s guidance, and use the correct oil that meets listed specifications.

Severe Service: Do You Qualify?

“Severe” doesn’t just mean racing. Many everyday patterns qualify and can significantly shorten oil life compared with “normal” driving conditions.

• Regular trips under 5–10 miles (oil rarely reaches full operating temperature).
• Frequent idling, heavy traffic, or ride-hailing/delivery use.
• Towing, hauling, or mountainous driving.
• Very hot or very cold climates; dusty, sandy, or unpaved roads.
• Track days, autocross, or aggressive driving.

If you fit several severe categories, consider shortening intervals by 25–50% versus the “normal” schedule, or follow the severe-service interval published by your automaker.

Time vs. Miles

Oil ages even when you don’t drive much. Moisture, fuel dilution, and acid formation can accumulate on short, infrequent trips. That’s why most manufacturers cap time at 6–12 months between changes regardless of mileage. If you log only a few thousand miles per year, a yearly oil and filter change is typically prudent.

Practical Maintenance Tips

A few habits help your engine last longer and ensure you’re changing oil at the right time with the right materials.

• Check oil level monthly and before long trips; top up with the correct grade/spec if needed.
• Replace the oil filter at every oil change; a quality filter matters for extended intervals.
• Use the exact viscosity and specification in your manual (e.g., 0W‑20 API SP, ACEA C3, OEM approvals).
• Follow and correctly reset your oil-life monitor; don’t ignore dashboard service reminders.
• Keep records and receipts, especially under warranty or maintenance plans.
• Don’t judge oil changes by color alone—modern detergents darken oil quickly without meaning it’s “bad.”
• Address leaks or noticeable consumption promptly and shorten intervals if oil is frequently topped up.
• Dispose of used oil and filters at approved recycling centers or auto parts stores.

These steps keep your engine protected and provide documentation that can safeguard warranties and future resale value.

Typical Costs and Products

Professional oil changes generally range from about $35–$70 for conventional/blend and $70–$130 for full synthetic, depending on vehicle, oil capacity, and filter quality. DIY synthetic changes often cost $30–$70 in materials. Extended‑life synthetics exist, but you should only extend intervals if your manufacturer allows it and your oil-life monitor or maintenance schedule supports it.

FAQs in Brief

Drivers often have similar questions as they adapt intervals to their car and driving style. Here are concise answers.

• I drive rarely—how often? About every 12 months, even with low miles, unless your manual says otherwise.
• Mostly highway miles—can I go longer? Yes, usually the top end of the recommended range if oil and specs are correct.
• Can I switch to synthetic? Yes; it’s compatible with most engines and often supports longer intervals per OEM guidance.
• What if my engine uses or leaks oil? Fix the issue and shorten intervals; monitor level closely between changes.
• After a track day or heavy towing? Change sooner; high heat and load accelerate oil breakdown.

If a scenario isn’t covered in your manual, ask a trusted technician familiar with your make, engine, and regional conditions.

Bottom Line

Follow your owner’s manual and oil-life monitor first. As a rule, full-synthetic oil in modern cars typically lasts 7,500–10,000 miles or about a year; conventional oil often needs changing every 3,000–5,000 miles or six months. If you drive under severe conditions, shorten those intervals. Using the correct oil specification and keeping good records will protect your engine—and your warranty.

Summary

Most cars on full synthetic need an oil change every 7,500–10,000 miles or annually; conventional oil often requires 3,000–5,000 miles or six months. Let your owner’s manual and any oil-life monitor lead the way, adjust for severe use, and always use the oil grade and specification your manufacturer requires.

Is 2 years too long for an oil change?

No, you should not go two years without an oil change, as most manufacturers recommend a maximum of one year for oil changes, regardless of mileage, to prevent sludge buildup and engine damage. Skipping oil changes leads to increased engine wear, overheating, and eventual engine failure. To determine your specific needs, always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and consider the type of oil used, as synthetic oils may have longer intervals but still require yearly replacement if the car isn’t driven regularly. 
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Two Years

• Moisture and Contamination: Moisture from condensation and pollutants from the combustion process accumulate in the oil. 
• Oil Degradation: Over time, oil breaks down, losing its ability to lubricate and cool the engine effectively. 
• Sludge Formation: Degraded oil can form sludge, a thick, tar-like substance that clogs oil passages and prevents proper lubrication. 

Consequences of Neglecting Oil Changes

• Increased Engine Wear: Without proper lubrication, engine components grind against each other, leading to accelerated wear and tear. 
• Overheating: Oil helps dissipate engine heat, and its degradation leads to increased engine temperatures. 
• Engine Failure: In extreme cases, the engine can seize or blow a gasket due to extreme heat and lack of lubrication. 
• Voided Warranty: Not adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule can void your vehicle’s warranty. 

What to Do Instead

1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most critical step, as it provides the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for oil changes. 
2. Consider Your Oil Type: Full synthetic oils generally offer longer intervals than conventional oils. 
3. Change Annually: Even if you drive infrequently, change your oil at least once a year. 
4. Use an Oil Life Monitor: Modern vehicles often have built-in oil life monitors that will alert you when service is needed. 

How often do you actually need an oil change?

You actually need an oil change based on the interval recommended in your car’s owner’s manual, typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles for conventional oil or 10,000 to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil, and at least once a year, even if you don’t drive much. Modern vehicles also have oil-life monitoring systems that use driving conditions to tell you when an oil change is due. 
Factors influencing your oil change interval:

• Car Manufacturer Recommendations: Opens in new tabAlways check your owner’s manual for the most accurate oil change intervals and recommendations for your specific vehicle. 
• Oil Type: Opens in new tabSynthetic oils last longer than conventional oils, allowing for extended mileage intervals. 
• Oil Life Monitoring System: Opens in new tabMany modern cars have a dashboard light or system that tracks your driving to determine when an oil change is needed. 
• Driving Conditions: Opens in new tabFactors like driving temperature, engine revolutions, and overall driving conditions are tracked by your car’s computer to help determine the optimal time for an oil change. 
• Time: Opens in new tabEven if you don’t drive much, engine oil degrades over time, so you should change your oil at least once a year. 

What the old 3,000-mile rule was for: 

• Older vehicles, older engine technology, and older oil formulations required more frequent oil changes to prevent premature wear.

How to determine your interval:

1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle. 
2. Pay attention to your car’s oil life monitor: The dashboard indicator will alert you when service is needed. 
3. Consider your driving habits: If you frequently drive in extreme conditions or short distances, your interval may need to be shorter than the recommended maximum. 

Does oil have to be changed every 3 months?

The “every 3,000 miles or every three months” rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months.

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.