Salem Oil Change Services | Valvoline Instant Oil Change℠ AB1154 (2024)

FAQs

How long can you go without an oil change? ›

Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. However, keep in mind that these numbers are just general guidelines.

If you own a car that runs on synthetic oil, you're probably wondering, “How often do you change synthetic oil?” Depending on the type of car you have, most synthetic oils last between 7,500 miles and 15,000 miles. However, you'll need to check your owner's manual for more specific figures.

And while the old rule of thumb was to change your oil every 3,000 miles or so, modern automotive technology has stretched that figure even further. Due to better engineering and better oil formulations, now you can expect between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes!

With synthetic oil, oil changes are recommended every 10,000—or sometimes 15,000—miles.

Putting off your oil change isn't going to yield immediate catastrophic damage. Your engine will not function as efficiently. Moreover, driving after your oil change is due increases the risk of severe engine damage and worsens with each mile. You'd eventually have a cascade of problems that are often irreversible.

If you wait longer than the manufacturer recommends, your oil will start to deteriorate, get thicker, and eventually lose its ability to maintain a consistent viscosity—eventually turning into a black sludge. This sludge can coat different parts of the engine and clog oil passageways.

In general, though, modern cars can manage 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your vehicle calls for a blended or full synthetic oil, you can push that to 10,000 miles.

Even if you drive fewer miles each year than your automaker suggests for changing the oil (say, 6,000 miles, with suggested oil-change intervals at 7,500 miles), you should still be getting that oil changed twice a year.

Does synthetic oil last longer than conventional oil? In general, yes, synthetic motor oil provides longer intervals between oil changes, but it depends on the brand of oil you use. Certain brands recommend you have your oil changed every 3000 or 5000 miles. Other recommendations range from 7500 to 20,000 miles.

Topping off the oil in your car is one way to avoid a conventional oil change (or any other kind of oil change). There is only one time this is a good idea, and that's when your oil is very low and you need to get to your auto shop right away.

What happens if I go over my oil change mileage? ›

A: Consistently exceeding the recommended oil change mileage can lead to accelerated engine wear and potential damage over time. The oil becomes dirty and less effective as a lubricant, which can cause the engine parts to grind against each other. This increased friction can lead to overheating and costly repairs.

Overfilling can damage the engine. Most auto manufacturers recommend oil changes once each year or 20,000km on petrol engines. Diesel engines and turbo charged petrol engines should be changed every 6 months or 10,000 km. Changing the oil once a year (20,000 km) is OK for vehicles driven in ideal circ*mstances.

How long does oil actually last in a car that's more often parked than driven? The answer may surprise you. Even in a car that's rarely driven, oil doesn't enjoy an infinite lifespan. The rule of thumb is about six months—despite oil's typical shelf life of five years.

Longer Oil Change Interval: Some vehicles that require synthetic oil can wait up to 15,000 miles before an oil change because of the refined properties of the oil. Better at Higher Temperatures: Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil because it doesn't become as thick when exposed to extreme heat.

Depending on the type of oil you use, your car can run a few hundred or even a thousand miles beyond the recommended interval without experiencing severe engine deterioration.

“However, if you have extenuating circ*mstances, it's always safe to maintain the 'every 3,000 miles/three-month rule' for optimal vehicle performance.”

Engine Wear & Tear

If you delay an oil change for too long, the oil's viscosity can decrease, leading to increased friction and accelerated wear on critical engine components such as pistons, cylinders, and bearings.

The presence of oil and its distribution is absolutely crucial to an engines continued operation. Engines can work without oil, but the effect is so damaging they are only capable of running for less than 30 minutes until failing - and in most cases, it's a lot quicker than that.