Posted under Motor Oil

Motor oil maintenance isn't what it used to be—times are changing fast. While the old advice was to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, modern vehicles and improved oil formulations have made that one-size-fits-all rule outdated. Let the experts at Jiffy Lube® share three key reasons why.

Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency

The frequency of your oil changes depends on several key factors, ranging from the technology in your vehicle to your driving habits.

New Technology

Today’s modern dashboards have done more than change the way drivers read maps and play music. If your dashboard has an oil life monitor, it can quickly and conveniently keep you updated about your vehicle’s motor oil.

The oil life monitor uses a complex calculation to determine how oil is circulating through the motor, lubricating the moving parts, and picking up debris that has collected in the motor. A lower “oil life percentage” indication generally means that the additives within your motor oil have degraded, reducing the oil’s ability to lubricate and help your motor run smoothly and cleanly. The monitor indicates the oil quality, not the quantity, so a low indication won’t always correlate to a low reading on your oil dipstick.

Remember, the oil life monitor is a "tool" not specifically designed to indicate how often to change your engine’s oil. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual to find out when oil changes are recommended for your vehicle. This will give you a specific time/mileage interval, so you won’t have to rely on the old “Three months/3000 miles” rule. When you reach the time/mileage the manufacturer recommends, get your oil changed — even if the dashboard “change oil” indicator or message isn’t displayed, and your car is still running smoothly and steadily.

Think of the importance of an oil change this way: the manufacturer recommends at least how often to change oil, and it pays to pay attention. Literally. Skipping an oil change indicated by the manufacturer could:

  • Cause engine damage, leading to costly repairs

  • Risk voiding your new-vehicle warranty

Different Oils, Different Additives 

Today, there are four basic types of motor oil, and the one you choose can impact how well your vehicle runs and how often you need an oil change.

  • Synthetic motor oil: This oil is chemically engineered, so the molecules are more uniform in shape. This means synthetic oil tends to have fewer impurities than conventional oil. Synthetic oils are usually specially formulated with additives to enhance performance in extreme temperatures.

  • Synthetic blend motor oil: A mixture of synthetic and conventional oils, it can resist oxidation and rust better than conventional oil. This makes it popular for driving in extremely cold or wet weather.

  • High-mileage motor oil. Formulated with additives that reduce oil burn-off and leaks, high-mileage oil was created for late-model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles.

  • Conventional motor oil: This oil often works best in vehicles with simple engine designs and drivers with normal, as opposed to severe driving styles. (More on that below.)

Which one is right for your vehicle? For specifications, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. In addition to the oil type, the manual will recommend a viscosity (or thickness).

Changing Driving Conditions

Manufacturers traditionally put the average driver into one of two categories: “normal” and “severe.”

Normal drivers are considered those who drive in almost ideal conditions. They ride along on primarily flat surfaces in a near-equal mix of local and highway traffic, and drive through four seasons of typical weather.

On the other hand, you’re most likely a severe driver if you often find yourself:

  • Stuck in stop-and-go traffic 

  • Taking multiple short trips in a day

  • Towing a boat or trailer or carrying heavy items on your rooftop rack

  • Traveling over mountainous terrain

  • Driving near construction or on gravel roads, which can kick up a lot of dust

  • Behind the wheel for extended periods of extreme summer heat or frigid winter cold

Naturally, your driving style impacts your vehicle maintenance, including the frequency and importance of oil changes. For those lucky drivers who fall into the normal category and motor around in ideal conditions, perhaps just changing your oil only when recommended by your vehicle manual is enough. However, drivers who fall into the severe category may find more frequent oil changes are required. 

Many of us slide from normal to severe and back again. That’s why it’s a best practice to check your oil level regularly, particularly when you’re filling up your tank at the gas station.

Signs That It’s Time to Change Your Oil 

Keeping your vehicle running smoothly means paying attention to a few key signs that it's time for an oil change. First, always check your manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals in the owner’s manual. Many newer cars are also equipped with an oil life indicator on the dashboard that can help monitor/calculate oil quality. If it signals that your oil life is running low, it’s time to schedule that change. Also, be on the lookout for low oil level. Regularly checking your oil dipstick can prevent trouble down the road. Finally, if you ever hear a knocking sound from the engine, that’s a clear signal your oil isn’t doing its job of lubricating the engine’s moving parts, and it’s time for fresh oil.

How to Extend Time Between Oil Changes

Here are a few simple strategies to help you make the most of your oil and reduce how often you need to schedule changes.

Proper Driving Habits

How you drive can make a substantial difference in how long your oil lasts. If you can, try to avoid heavy stop-and-go traffic and short trips. Instead, longer drives at steady speeds are easier on your engine. Also, smooth acceleration and avoiding rough, dusty roads help keep your oil clean and your engine running at its best.

Using the Right Oil for Your Vehicle

Every vehicle is built differently, and that means your car needs the right oil to perform its best. Using the OEM-recommended oil (type and viscosity) for your vehicle — whether it’s synthetic, conventional, or a blend — gives your engine the proper protection it needs and can help extend time between oil changes.

Regular Oil Checks and Monitoring

Even if you're not due for an oil change, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your oil. A quick check of the dipstick while you're filling up can tell you if the oil level is low. Plus, most modern cars have an oil life monitor that helps track your oil quality. Generally, it might be time for a change when your oil life percentage is between 15% and 40%.

Give Your Vehicle the Professional Care It Deserves at Jiffy Lube

When it’s time for your oil change, we hope you’ll come in for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change. Trained technicians will:

  • Remove and safely dispose of the used oil

  • Replace it with new oil that meets the manufacturer's recommendations for type, weight, and volume

  • Dispose of the dirty oil filter and replace it with a fresh, clean one

  • Top off vital fluids — including transmission, power steering, differential/transfer case, and washer fluid

  • Clean the windshield

  • Apply a window sticker to remind you when your next service is due, or reset your digital oil life monitor

Signature Service doesn’t end when you drive away. You can return to Jiffy Lube anytime within 3,000 miles of your service for a free top-off of your motor oil and most other vital fluids. The world of preventative maintenance is ever-changing, and technology can be hard to keep up with. The Jiffy Lube team is here with the information that makes you feel empowered to make the right decisions for your vehicle.