How often should your car's engine oil be changed?

Most modern cars have oil-life monitoring systems that will let you know when it's time for an oil change.

However, a little human attention goes a long way, but there’s no ‘one size fits all’ rule when it comes to how often you should change it.

The general guidance from manufacturers is every 5,000 – 10,000 miles, but this can have variables based on certain factors.

How often should your car's engine oil be changed?

Halfords’ motoring expert Ashish Rajput shares that the number of miles driven can be different for different cars before you need to change your engine oil.

For example, it can range from 3,000 miles for older cars using mineral oils, to 15,000 miles for modern cars using fully synthetic long-life oil.

Ashish says: "Because of this we advise you to always check your maintenance guide first, rather than general advice online, as it’s specific to your vehicle."

Other factors that can impact how often you need to change your oil include how often you drive and the driving conditions.

For example, start-stop traffic, regular short trips, driving at high revs, or extreme hot or cold temperatures can shorten oil life, requiring more frequent changes.

Ashish adds: "By changing your oil at the appropriate times, it ensures that you avoid the unnecessary costs of changing your oil too often and the potential car-related damage that could happen if you wait too long."

How to top up your engine oil

To top up your engine oil, simply remove the oil filler cap, then use a funnel to add the oil slowly.

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Check the level again using the dipstick, and once the oil level is sufficient, replace the oil cap, ensuring it is fully secured. 

How often should your car be fully serviced?

Servicing your car at least once a year helps it run more smoothly and reduces the risk of major engine problems, Ashish says.

He adds: "Plus, a well-maintained engine is more fuel-efficient, so you’ll spend less at the pump! And considering the price of petrol these days, this is a lifesaver."