How Long Can You Go Between Oil Changes?

For most modern cars on full synthetic oil, you can typically go 7,500–10,000 miles or about 12 months between oil changes; certain European “long-life” systems allow up to 15,000 miles or 2 years, but only when the vehicle specifically permits it and you use an approved oil. In harsher driving conditions or with older engines, plan on shorter intervals—often 5,000–7,500 miles. Always follow your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s oil-life monitor.

What Automakers Recommend Today

Automakers have stretched oil-change intervals as engines, oils, and onboard monitoring systems improved. Many mainstream brands (Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai, GM, Ford, Stellantis) now rely on oil-life monitors that tailor intervals to your driving, commonly landing between 7,500 and 10,000 miles or one year on full synthetic. Several European brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi/VW, Porsche, Volvo) support longer stretches—often up to about 15,000 miles or 2 years—when specific long-life oil specifications are used and the maintenance system indicates service. If your car specifies conventional oil or sees severe service, intervals shorten accordingly.

Typical Intervals by Oil Type

The oil you use—and whether it meets your vehicle’s required specification—sets realistic boundaries for how far you can safely extend intervals.

• Conventional oil: about 3,000–5,000 miles or 6 months.
• Synthetic blend: about 5,000–7,500 miles or 6–12 months.
• Full synthetic (API SP/ILSAC GF-6 or better): about 7,500–10,000 miles or up to 12 months in most modern engines.
• Approved long-life synthetic (e.g., BMW LL-01/LL-04, MB 229.5/229.52, VW 504 00/507 00, Porsche A40/C30/C40): up to ~15,000 miles or 2 years, but only if your vehicle explicitly allows it.

Using the correct viscosity and specification for your engine is as important as the oil type. Pair the oil with a quality filter; long intervals demand a filter designed for extended service.

When You Should Change Sooner (Severe Service)

“Severe” doesn’t just mean racing; it includes everyday patterns that accelerate oil degradation and contamination. If you do these often, shorten your interval.

• Frequent short trips (under 5–10 miles), especially in cold weather, which prevents full warm-up.
• Extreme heat or cold; dusty, sandy, or unpaved environments.
• Towing/hauling, frequent idling, or stop-and-go/ride-share delivery driving.
• Turbocharged direct-injection engines prone to fuel dilution from repeated short cycles.
• High-load driving such as mountain grades or track/autocross events.

In these cases, many owners stick to roughly 5,000–7,500 miles or follow the oil-life monitor’s earlier prompts to protect the engine.

Make the Most of Your Oil-Life Monitor

Modern oil-life monitors estimate oil condition based on temperature, load, idle time, drive cycles, and more. Treat the system as your primary guide: change oil when it indicates low remaining life (often at 10–15% remaining), and do not exceed 0% or the time limit (commonly one year unless your maker allows two). Always reset the monitor after service; if it’s been reset accidentally without an oil change, service early.

Time Matters, Not Just Miles

Even if you drive very little, oil ages through condensation, fuel dilution, and acid buildup. Most manufacturers set a time cap of 12 months between changes; some European programs allow up to 24 months in approved scenarios. If your manual lists a time limit, adhere to it regardless of mileage.

Warranty and Documentation

During the warranty period, follow the manual’s intervals (miles and time) and required oil specifications (e.g., GM dexos, VW/Audi 504/507). Keep dated receipts and note mileage to document proper maintenance. Extending beyond what the automaker permits can jeopardize warranty coverage.

Why Not Push It Too Far?

Overextending oil can lead to sludge and varnish, timing-chain and bearing wear, turbocharger coking, and higher oil consumption. It can also foul emissions equipment (catalytic converters and particulate filters) and degrade fuel economy. Routine, spec-compliant changes are cheaper than repairs.

Practical Tips to Safely Maximize Your Interval

A few habits can help you reach the upper end of safe intervals without compromising reliability.

1. Check oil level monthly and before long trips; top up as needed.
2. Use manufacturer-approved oil specs and the correct viscosity; pair with a high-quality filter.
3. Replace the oil filter at every change, even on extended intervals.
4. If you make many short trips, consider a shorter interval (5,000–7,500 miles) to counter fuel dilution.
5. Let the engine fully warm up periodically to evaporate moisture and fuel.
6. Reset the oil-life monitor properly; don’t ignore warning lights.
7. Out of warranty and considering very long drains? Confirm approval in the manual and consider used-oil analysis to verify the oil is still healthy.

These practices help balance convenience with engine longevity, especially if you aim for the higher end of recommended intervals.

Special Cases: Hybrids, EVs, Diesels, and Older Cars

Different powertrains and vehicle ages can shift the right interval—sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.

• Hybrids: Engines run less, but moisture and time still count. Many call for 10,000 miles or 12 months on 0W-16 or 0W-20 synthetics—follow the oil-life monitor and time limit.
• EVs: No engine oil changes required (though gear oil for drive units may have separate, infrequent service).
• Modern diesels: Intervals are often 7,500–10,000 miles; some Euro models allow up to ~15,000 miles/2 years with low-SAPS, manufacturer-approved oils to protect DPFs.
• Older/high-mileage engines: Consider shorter intervals and high-mileage oils; monitor consumption and leaks closely.

If in doubt, default to the manual’s severe-service schedule or consult a trusted technician familiar with your specific engine and usage.

Bottom Line

The longest safe gap between oil changes is whatever your owner’s manual or oil-life monitor permits with the correct, approved oil—typically 7,500–10,000 miles or one year for modern cars on full synthetic, and up to about 15,000 miles or two years only on vehicles designed for long-life intervals. If your driving is severe or your vehicle is older, change sooner.

Summary

Most modern vehicles on full synthetic can run 7,500–10,000 miles (or 12 months) between oil changes; some European models allow up to ~15,000 miles or 2 years with approved long-life oils and maintenance systems. Severe use shortens intervals; warranties require following the manual and oil specs. Use your oil-life monitor, respect time limits, and maintain documentation.

Is it 3 months between oil changes?

No, changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles is an outdated recommendation; for most modern cars, a more appropriate interval is between six and 12 months or 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and oil type. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, as this will provide the most accurate guidance for your car’s engine.
 
Why the Old Rule Doesn’t Apply

• Improved Technology: Opens in new tabBoth engines and motor oils have advanced significantly. Synthetic oils, in particular, can last much longer and provide better protection. 
• Outdated Information: Opens in new tabThe three-month/3,000-mile rule is largely a relic from an older era and often pushed by quick-lube chains to ensure repeat business. 

What to Follow Instead

1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most crucial step. The manufacturer knows your engine best and provides the most accurate oil change schedule. 
2. Consider Your Driving Habits: Short, infrequent trips or stop-and-go driving can degrade oil faster than highway driving. 
3. Use the Right Oil: Synthetic oils generally have longer service intervals than conventional oils. 
4. Look for the Oil Life Monitor: Many modern cars have an oil life monitoring system that indicates when an oil change is needed. 
5. Don’t Over-Change: While changing your oil too often won’t harm your car, it is a waste of money. 

When a Shorter Interval Might Be Necessary

• Severe Driving Conditions: Opens in new tabIf you frequently drive short distances that don’t allow the engine to reach full operating temperature, or if you regularly operate in heavy traffic or stop-and-go conditions, a shorter interval may be beneficial. 
• Older Vehicles: Opens in new tabOlder cars, or those with known issues like oil leaks or burning oil, might require more frequent checks and changes. 

How long overdue can I go for an oil change?

Most modern vehicles are able to go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, while some older cars may need a change every 3,000 miles. But just because your car can go that long doesn’t mean it should, especially if you’re doing a lot of short trips, stop-and-go driving, or live in a hot or dusty area.

Can I go 2 years between oil changes?

Don’t change your oil every two years, for example, even if you rarely drive your car. Most manufacturers don’t recommend leaving the same oil in your engine for more than a year.

How long can you go past getting an oil change?

Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.