Summer Travel: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

2024 Chevrolet Trax

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There’s no better feeling than long drives through the city on a beautiful summer day. To make sure those trips go uninterrupted, stay on top of routine oil changes. How often should you change your oil? Older vehicles could go about 3,000 to 5000 miles between oil changes. However, more recent vehicles can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. That being said, the specific number will vary depending on the vehicle you drive and your driving habits.

What else should you know about oil changes to keep your vehicle running smoothly this summer? The service team at Pine Belt Chevrolet has put together a helpful guide detailing everything you need to know about changing your vehicle’s oil.

What Affects How Often You’ll Change Your Oil?

The type of vehicle you drive will have a significant impact on how often you’ll need to change your oil this summer. Another thing to consider is your driving habits. The type of driving you plan on doing this summer will also determine how often you’ll need to schedule an oil change

Here are some driving habits that could cause you to change your oil more frequently than recommended:

  • Off-road driving
  • Commercial/business driving
  • High-speed racing
  • Heavy-duty towing

What Can Happen If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Oil lubricates your engine’s components, which allows your engine to function efficiently. Oil also keeps your engine clean by filtering out dirt, debris, and other particles that can get inside. Over time, oil can become clogged with too much dirt and debris and break down, becoming inefficient. This is why you need to regularly change your oil.

What happens if you don’t change your oil? Going too long without changing your oil this summer can result in the following:

  • Check engine can turn on
  • Knocking sounds from the engine
  • Dark and dirty oil
  • Smoke from the exhaust pipe
  • Overheating engine

Other Things You Should Know About Summer Oil Changes

Hopefully, you know by now how important it is to stay on top of routine oil changes this summer. To make sure your summer road trips go smoothly, be sure to keep the following oil change tips in mind:

  • Check your oil at least once a month. This way, you can see what the condition of your oil is like and if your engine is low on oil.
  • Change your oil at least twice a year. Even if your car sits in your garage during the winter months, the oil will still break down and need to be changed. That’s why you should have your oil changed at least two times a year.
  • Know what kind of oil your vehicle needs. Some vehicles require synthetic oil instead of conventional oil. So, be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what kind of oil your vehicle needs.
  • Have your oil filter replaced at the same time you have your oil changed. We can handle the oil filter replacement when we change your oil, or you can order an oil filter from our parts store if you’re more of a hands-on driver who prefers to tackle service tasks yourself.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change at Pine Belt Chevrolet This Summer

Take the first step in preparing your vehicle for a fun summer by scheduling an oil change at Pine Belt Chevrolet. Contact us for any questions you have, and let us help you drive confidently this summer.