What Is the Schedule for an Oil Change?

Most modern gasoline cars using full-synthetic oil should get an oil and filter change about every 7,500–10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first; older vehicles or those using conventional oil typically need it every 3,000–5,000 miles or 3–6 months; if you drive in “severe service” (short trips, towing, extreme heat/cold, dusty roads), plan on shorter intervals. The exact schedule is in your owner’s manual or indicated by your vehicle’s oil-life monitor, which you should not exceed.

Why the Oil-Change Schedule Varies

Oil-change timing depends on your engine design, the oil’s formulation, how and where you drive, and your vehicle’s maintenance algorithm. Modern engines paired with full-synthetic oils and smart oil-life monitors can safely go longer between changes, while frequent cold starts, idling, towing, and high-heat or dusty environments accelerate oil degradation and require earlier service. Automakers also specify oil standards (for example, API SP/ILSAC GF-6, GM dexos1 Gen 3, or ACEA/European approvals) that directly affect allowed intervals.

Recommended Intervals at a Glance

The following guidelines summarize typical change intervals across common vehicle types and use cases; always defer to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

• Modern gasoline cars (approx. 2013 and newer) on full-synthetic oil: 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving; 5,000–7,500 miles if driving is more severe.
• Older gasoline vehicles or those using conventional oil: 3,000–5,000 miles or 3–6 months due to faster oil oxidation and less advanced engine management.
• Turbocharged or high-performance gasoline engines: 5,000–7,500 miles or 6–12 months; track use or frequent boost typically warrants the shorter end.
• Light-duty diesel pickups/SUVs: 5,000–10,000 miles, or 200–300 engine hours; heavy towing, idling, or dusty conditions push toward shorter intervals.
• Hybrids (HEV): typically 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months; the engine may run less but frequent short heat cycles can still stress oil.
• European long-drain systems (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW/Audi) with approved “long-life” oils: up to 10,000–15,000 miles or up to 24 months on flexible service systems, but only with the exact specified approvals (e.g., BMW LL-17, MB 229.52, VW 508.00/509.00). U.S. severe driving may reduce those intervals.

Treat these as baselines. The correct interval for your car is what your maker specifies for your exact engine and oil specification, adjusted for your driving conditions.

Severe Service: When to Change Oil Sooner

Many owners qualify for “severe service” without realizing it. If any of the following apply regularly, you should use the shorter interval in your manual (often 3,000–5,000 miles for conventional or 5,000–7,500 for synthetic) and change the filter every time.

• Frequent short trips (under 5–10 miles) and cold starts where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature.
• Extended idling, stop-and-go traffic, rideshare/taxi duty, or delivery driving.
• Towing, carrying heavy loads, mountainous terrain, or high-speed highway runs in hot weather.
• Extreme temperatures (sustained below 0°F/−18°C or above 100°F/38°C).
• Driving on dusty, sandy, or unpaved roads.
• Track days, spirited driving, or frequent high-boost turbo operation.

If one or more of these fit your routine, shorten your oil-change interval by 25–50% from the “normal” schedule or follow the severe-service table in your manual.

Time vs. Mileage vs. Engine Hours

Oil ages with time and heat cycles even if you drive little. As a rule, do not exceed one year between oil and filter changes on modern synthetics unless your manufacturer explicitly allows it. For vehicles that idle a lot (fleet, delivery, off-road), track engine hours: many makers treat 200–300 engine hours as roughly equivalent to an oil-change interval. A practical conversion is 1 engine hour ≈ 30–50 city miles, but your oil-life monitor already models this, so trust its guidance within the manufacturer’s limits.

How to Find and Follow Your Exact Schedule

Use these steps to pinpoint and maintain the correct oil-change cadence for your specific vehicle and usage.

1. Check the owner’s manual maintenance chart for “normal” and “severe” schedules and any maximum time limits.
2. Use the oil-life monitor (if equipped) for timing, but do not exceed the manual’s maximum mileage or time (commonly 12 months).
3. Use the exact oil type and specification required (e.g., API SP/ILSAC GF-6A or GF-6B, GM dexos1 Gen 3 for many GM gas engines, ACEA/Euro approvals like VW 508.00/509.00). Long drain intervals assume approved oils.
4. Change the oil filter with every oil change unless your maker specifies otherwise; reset the oil-life monitor and keep dated receipts for warranty compliance.
5. Adjust for your reality: towing, short trips, extreme climates, or dusty roads mean shorter intervals, even with synthetic oil.

Following these steps aligns service with your vehicle’s engineering and preserves both longevity and warranty protection.

Example Maintenance Calendar

Here’s a practical template for a typical modern gasoline car on full-synthetic oil in mixed (not severe) driving. Adapt based on your manual and oil-life monitor.

• Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter change; rotate tires and perform a multi-point check.
• If severe service applies: shorten to every 5,000–7,500 miles or 6 months.
• Monthly: check oil level on the dipstick (or digital gauge) and top up as needed.
• Before long trips or heavy towing: verify oil level and condition; consider an early change if approaching the interval.

This framework helps you plan ahead while letting your manual and oil-life monitor fine-tune timing.

Key Notes and Current Standards

For 2025-model-year vehicles, API SP and ILSAC GF-6A/6B remain the dominant North American gasoline standards; many new GM engines require dexos1 Gen 3, and European makes often require ACEA and brand-specific long-life approvals. Using an unapproved oil can void longer drain intervals and risk warranty issues. When in doubt, buy oil that lists your vehicle’s exact specification on the label.

Summary

Change oil and filter around every 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months with full synthetic on modern cars, sooner (3,000–5,000 miles) for older engines or conventional oil, and shorten intervals for severe service. Trust your owner’s manual and oil-life monitor, use the exact specified oil, and keep records. That’s the schedule that keeps engines healthy and warranties intact.

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.

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. 

When should I schedule my oil change?

You should change your car’s engine oil based on the mileage and time recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, as intervals have increased with modern technology, but generally range from 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months. Consider more frequent changes for severe conditions like frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or towing, and always change the oil and filter at least once a year, even if you don’t reach the recommended mileage.
 
Follow Your Owner’s Manual

• This is the most definitive source: for your specific vehicle’s needs. 
• Modern vehicles with synthetic oils often have extended intervals, sometimes up to 10,000 to 15,000 miles. 

Consider Your Driving Conditions
More frequent oil changes are necessary under “severe” driving conditions, such as: 

• Frequent short trips: that don’t allow the engine to reach its full operating temperature.
• Stop-and-go traffic: or extensive idling.
• Towing: or carrying heavy loads.
• Driving in extreme temperatures: or dusty conditions.

Understand Different Oil Types

• Conventional oil: typically requires more frequent changes (e.g., 3,000 to 5,000 miles). 
• Synthetic oil: provides better protection and lasts longer, with intervals of 7,500 to 10,000 miles or more. 

When to Change Sooner

• Check for signs of oil breakdown: Dark, contaminated, or gritty oil can indicate it’s time for a change. 
• Don’t ignore the oil change light: If your car’s instrument cluster shows a warning light, address it promptly. 
• Change the oil filter: with every oil change to ensure proper filtration. 

Is it better to change oil 3 months or 6 months?

You should follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, which is typically every six months or a specific mileage, whichever comes first. While the 3-month/3,000-mile rule is outdated, changing the oil every 3 to 6 months is appropriate for vehicles driven less frequently, especially those with conventional oil or older engines that can accumulate damaging condensation and sulfuric acid over time. Modern synthetic oils often allow for longer intervals, so consult your manual. 
Why 3 or 6 months matters:

• Condensation and Sulfuric Acid: Opens in new tabEven when a car isn’t driven much, the engine experiences heat cycles that can cause moisture to accumulate. This moisture can combine with sulfur in oil to form sulfuric acid, which is corrosive and can damage engine parts like bearings and cylinder walls. 
• Oil Degradation: Opens in new tabOver time, the properties of engine oil can change and degrade, regardless of the mileage driven. 
• Engine Wear: Opens in new tabThe oil’s protective layer wears down, and metal particles from engine wear can contaminate the oil. Regular changes remove these contaminants and maintain protection. 

Factors influencing the decision:

• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabSome vehicles, such as older models or those with turbocharged engines, may require more frequent changes. 
• Oil Type: Opens in new tabSynthetic oils generally last longer than conventional oils and can support longer intervals. 
• Driving Habits: Opens in new tabFrequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and driving in extreme temperatures can accelerate oil degradation, necessitating more frequent changes. 
• Vehicle Age: Opens in new tabOlder or poorly maintained engines are more susceptible to wear, so regular oil changes are crucial. 

How to find your specific interval:

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most important resource. It will provide the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, which is based on a combination of time and mileage. 
2. Consider Your Usage: If you drive less than the mileage recommended in the manual within the time frame, you should still change the oil at the end of the recommended time interval.