Every Oil Change In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.
An extended life or synthetic oil filter can often last about twice as long, or up to 10,000 miles. The conditions under how you use your vehicle also factor into the replacement interval.
Yes, you can change your oil without changing the oil filter, but it's generally not recommended. The oil filter helps remove contaminants from the oil, and if you don't change it, dirty oil can circulate back into the engine, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing damage over time.
Don't cheap-out – replace the filter with every oil change.
If any oil does come out during an oil filter replacement, it will only be what is trapped beyond your anti-drain back gasket inside the filter. However, it's important to note that when changing the engine oil, both the oil filter and engine oil must be replaced together.
Benefits of Regularly Changing Your Oil Filter
Better Fuel Efficiency: When the engine operates smoothly without contaminants, it can perform more efficiently, improving your car's fuel economy. Decreased Emissions: Clean engine oil produces cleaner exhaust gases, reducing your vehicle's environmental footprint.
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
Changing Oil Without Changing the Filter: The Risks
A used oil filter is less effective at trapping contaminants, meaning the new oil you just put in gets dirty much faster. This can lead to a variety of engine problems, from reduced lubrication to increased wear and even potential engine damage over time.
Oil coolers extend the life of your vehicle's engine and reduce the chance of overheating under extreme conditions. For example, if you haul a trailer uphill for long distances, then chances are that your engine works at maximum capacity for a long time. This creates a lot of heat that needs a way to dissipate.
Continuing to use a clogged or ineffective oil filter puts your engine at risk of severe damage. The accumulation of contaminants can lead to increased wear and tear on vital components like pistons, cylinders, and bearings.
If you live in a hot country, measure the oil level either in the morning or at night, as engines can get very hot, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is at its climax. If you live in a colder country, checking your vehicle's oil when the temperatures are freezing outside may affect your oil readings.
In most cases, you can tell that your engine air filter needs to be replaced just by looking at it. Air filters typically last for about 30,000 miles if you don't do a lot of heavy-duty driving or live in an especially hot, dusty area.
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.
Tire Age. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 years, regardless of mileage. This is because rubber compounds can degrade over time, even if the tires appear unused. This degradation can lead to cracking, reduced flexibility, and increased risk of blowouts.
Can I change oil every two years? No. Almost no automaker recommends that oil should be left in the crankcase for more than one year—no matter the mileage.
Manufacturers often recommend oil changes every six months, regardless of the miles driven. Oil degrades over time, even if the car isn't used frequently.
Many manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every second time you get your oil changed. So, if you're on a 3,000-mile cycle you'd change your filter every 6,000; if you're on a 6,000-mile cycle (as with most modern vehicles) you'd change out every 12,000.
One of the lights on your dash that comes on briefly when you start your car's engine is your low oil pressure warning light. This is not a light to be ignored, as low-pressure engine oil can cause serious harm to your car.