Can You Get Away with Oil Changes Every 7,500 Miles?
When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next. They always write it to recommend your next oil change in 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.The old standard was 3,000 miles, but cars are now built better than ever before. Do you really have to have an every 3,000 miles?
Most car manufacturers now recommend changing your oil every 7,500 miles or six months. However, they recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months if you drive in “severe” conditions.What do they mean by “severe” driving? Hot, cold, dusty, and ocean-side environments, towing a trailer, making many short trips and city driving are all considered “severe” conditions. A lot of cars fall into that category!
They say that over-maintaining your car is a waste of money and I agree, but oil changes are very inexpensive. An oil change only costs about $25. If your car experiences any of these “severe” conditions, it’s well worth the extra $50 a year. The alternative is that your car could require expensive repairs down the road, or worse, that it won’t last as long. If you maintain your car well, it should last 200,000 miles or more. The longer you can go without buying a new car, the more money you’ll save. What if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you’re no longer using for car payments. You’d be able to pay for your next car with cash!
No one enjoys taking their car in for any maintenance or repairs. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. Oil Changes are offered at so many places, including your dealership, a service station or even Wal Mart. If you can get an oil change done while you’re shopping, you’ll save time. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And there are many shops that offer a clean and pleasant waiting area. Many offer free wifi, snacks and tv to make the wait go by faster.
I think it’s wise for most of us to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. It’s cost effective, easy and a very good idea. So find the shop that’s convenient for you and get into the habit of changing your oil regularly. When your car has 200,000 miles and is still going, you’ll be glad you did.
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