How Often You Should Change Your Oil and Oil Filter

Essential Guide: How Often Should You Change Your Oil and Oil Filter?

Keeping your vehicle running smoothly starts with one of the simplest yet most essential maintenance tasks: regular oil 

and oil filter changes. These two components are critical to your engine’s performance, efficiency, and lifespan.

But how often should you change your oil and oil filter? In this guide, we’ll break down the importance of oil changes, 

signs to watch for, and best practices to keep your vehicle road-ready year-round.

Why Is Engine Oil Important?

Think of engine oil as your engine’s lifeblood. It serves several key functions that are crucial to engine health:

• Lubrication: Reduces friction between moving parts, preventing premature wear.
  
  

• Cooling: Helps regulate engine temperature by dispersing heat.
  
  

• Cleaning: Captures and suspends dirt, metal shavings, and contaminants.
  
  

• Protection: Prevents corrosion and forms a protective barrier on engine surfaces.
  
  

Over time, oil degrades and becomes less effective, which is why consistent oil changes are vital.

What Does the Oil Filter Do?

The oil filter traps debris and contaminants suspended in the oil. A clogged or dirty oil filter can’t do its job, allowing 

dirty oil to circulate and potentially damage your engine. Replacing the filter with every oil change is essential to maintain clean oil flow.

How Often Should You Change the Oil?

Oil change intervals vary depending on your vehicle, oil type, and driving habits:

1. Conventional Oil

For older models or vehicles using conventional oil, the traditional recommendation is every 3,000 miles or 3 months.

2. Synthetic Oil

Modern engines with synthetic oil can often go 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and some high-performance vehicles can stretch 

to 10,000 miles between changes.

3. Manufacturer Guidelines

Always refer to your owner’s manual. Manufacturer recommendations provide the most accurate oil change intervals for 

your specific make and model.

4. Driving Conditions Matter

Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, or towing can shorten oil life. If you drive under these 

“severe conditions,” consider more frequent oil changes to prevent premature engine wear.

How Often Should You Change the Oil Filter?

Best practice: Change your oil filter every time you change your oil.
This ensures the new oil stays clean and maximizes engine protection. If you're using extended-interval synthetic oil, 

be sure your filter is rated to last just as long.

5 Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change

Even with regular maintenance, your car may show signs that it's time for service:

• Dashboard Warning Light: Most cars have an oil change or maintenance light.
  
  

• Dirty or Dark Oil: Check your dipstick—dark, sludgy oil means it’s time.
  
  

• Loud Engine Noises: Increased engine noise or knocking can signal poor lubrication.
  
  

• Exhaust Smoke: Thick or dark smoke may indicate oil burning or degradation.
  
  

• Decreased Performance: Sluggish acceleration or poor fuel economy can stem from old oil.
  
  

How to Change Your Oil and Filter (DIY Guide)

Doing your own oil change? Here’s a simplified step-by-step:

1. Gather Supplies: New oil, oil filter, wrench, funnel, drain pan, gloves, and oil filter wrench.
   
   

2. Prep Your Vehicle: Park on a flat surface, engage the brake, and let the engine cool.
   
   

3. Drain Old Oil: Remove the oil drain plug and let oil flow into the pan.
   
   

4. Replace Oil Filter: Remove the old filter, apply fresh oil to the new filter’s gasket, and install it.
   
   

5. Refill Oil: Replace the drain plug and pour in the new oil.
   
   

6. Check the Level: Use the dipstick to confirm correct oil levels.
   
   

7. Dispose Properly: Take used oil and filters to a recycling center.
   
   

The Bottom Line

Regular oil and filter changes are one of the easiest ways to protect your investment. Whether you prefer a 

DIY approach or trust a professional, staying on top of this essential service will extend the life of your engine, 

improve performance, and help you avoid costly repairs.

At Elevated Mechanics in Fort Lupton, we’re here to help you stay proactive with your vehicle’s health. If you’re 

unsure when your last oil change was or think it might be time, book your next service with us today.