How Often Should You Have Your Oil Changed?
How often you should have your oil changed in Dothan, AL
Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle healthy and performing properly, which ultimately helps keep your life running smoothly. And at Toyota of Dothan, we're here to do just that. One of the most common routine services that your vehicle requires is an oil change. You know how important oil changes are, but maybe you're not exactly sure how often you need to schedule one for your Toyota. Below, we've highlighted a few things to keep in mind if you're wondering when to schedule your next oil change.
3,000 Miles: Fact or Fiction?
The standard oil change interval recommendation used to be every 3,000 miles, but today, things are a little different. 3,000 miles was a safe guideline for older cars, but now that number has increased for most models manufactured in 2008 and beyond. This is because both engine and oil technology have been improved, and now the recommended mileage is around 7,500, although older models should stay closer to 5,000 miles. In general, six months is a reasonable time frame to keep in mind, which is also a good time to have your vehicle inspected for other services it may require, such as a tire rotation.
How Do You Drive?
Did you know that the type of driving you do — and even the climate you live in — can influence how often your oil should be changed? If you're a city-dweller, you likely will need to have your oil changed more frequently; a lot of stopping and starting as well as short driving distances works the engine hard, not allowing the oil to warm up enough to work at full capacity. For the same reason, cold temperatures also lead to poor oil functionality.
Check Your Owner's Manual
Regardless of how much research you may have done, it's best to go by what the manufacturer says. After all, no one knows your car better than the ones who designed and built it. Refer to your owner's manual to find out how often your Toyota model's oil needs to be changed, as well as other routine maintenance.
These are general guidelines on scheduling your next oil change at Toyota of Dothan. Ultimately, the best source is a mechanic who has been trained to know your Toyota inside and out. Since no two cars are alike, an expert opinion is always the best option.
|Ready to get your vehicle's oil changed or schedule another routine service? Our service technicians are happy to serve you, so schedule a service appointment with us today and come see us at 2285 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. We proudly serve customers from Ozark and Enterprise!