Oil change frequency is dependent on several factors, including type and weight of oil, driving conditions, environmental conditions, fuel quality and weather. It seems that most car owners are under the impression that every 3 months or 3,000 miles between oil changes is written in stone. This is not always the case.
By identifying what part motor oil plays in safeguarding your engine, you will see why oil change frequency is important. Oil prevents internal parts of the engine from rubbing together and being damaged. It transfers heat, generated by friction, away from moving parts. It serves the purpose of cleaning contaminants from the engine's internal parts, and holding those particles in suspension until they are filtered out by the oil filter. The oil filter is continually collecting particle contaminants as it prolongs the useful life of the oil.
Running your vehicle in harsh environments, towing, or doing a lot of stop and go driving requires more frequent oil changes, even though you may have low miles on the oil in the engine. Checking the color of the motor oil could give you an indication that your oil needs changing. Oil that is very dark should be changed. Dark oil indicates that the oil is doing its job, but very dark oil can indicate that it has become saturated with contaminants and that the filter can no longer keep it clean.
Your vehicle owner's manual will provide you with information on oil change frequency. If you drive under severe conditions, oil change frequency will be higher. When in doubt, use the vehicle's severe oil change frequency, as it is better to be safe than sorry.
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