Normal or Severe Driving? How does it affect Oil Changes?

You may have heard various estimates as to when you need to have an oil change on your vehicle. It seems like every person you ask has a different answer. Who is right? Oil change intervals rely on various factors. Knowing which factors affect the cleanliness of your oil can help you decide which is best for your vehicle. A recent study by AAA found that more than 50% of all motorists mistakenly assume they drive under "normal" conditions and so follow the wrong maintenance schedule for their vehicles.

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Which is the best interval for an oil change?

Typically, the most reliable source for the answer is your owner's manual. Most manufacturers have two sets of maintenance schedules; one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving.  If in doubt, ask your mechanic for their expert advice.

    * The "normal" driving schedule is based on ideal driving conditions – short distances, never over the speed limit, level roads, no load – something the average driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish. Your owner's manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

    * The "severe" driving schedule is based on stop-and-go traffic, driving in hot weather, or transporting items on a roof-top carrier – which is actually closer to an average driver. Then your vehicle would be better off using the "severe conditions" maintenance schedule, which means more frequent filter and oil changes, about every 3,000 miles.

Of course, if you don't drive many miles at all, you'll be able to get away with longer intervals between oil changes. By erring on the side of caution with a regular oil change about every 3,000 miles, you will enhance the performance and longevity of your vehicle. You will find that most auto shops today offer oil change coupons to make frequent services more affordable for their customers.

If you're looking for affordable and quality oil changes, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information and find our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.