How Often Should the Ankeny Driver Really Change Their Oil?

 Many people prescribe to different theories as to the length of time they should operate their car before changing their oil and most people genuinely want to take good care of the investment they've made in their car purchase. But you don't want to waste money either, so how often does your car REALLY need its oil changed?

The tried and true standard used to be every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Today technology has advanced, engine tolerances are tighter, oil quality is better, and their are some vehicles that don't require maintenance quite so often. Some manufacturers even brag of oil change intervals every 10,000 miles, but is that really the best for your car? There is no set standard for every driver and driving habits play a big role in how often you should change your engine oil. With that being said here are 5 factors to consider when determining the length of your oil change interval.

• Do you operate in extreme weather conditions? Extreme heat can take a toll on a car's engine as well as weather below freezing. The viscosity of oil become more or less dense based upon the weather and this can cause fluctuations in performance and the amount of wear that is put on your engine. If your vehicle operates in either of these conditions oil changes should occur more frequently.
• Do you take short trips or idle for extended periods of time? If a car's engine does not get enough time to heat up it is not able to fully burn off condensation that can form in the engine. Metal, Air, & Water are the 3 components necessary to cause rust and all 3 of these are present in your engine bay. If you are taking short trips (under 10 miles) this causes engine wear to occur more rapidly.
• Do you Tow or put your vehicle under heavy load? Vehicles like trucks or SUVs that are asked to haul put extra stress on all components of the car including the engine. This will cause engine oil to break down more quickly and put added stress on engine components. Also, vehicles that are fully loaded are put under more stress when harder acceleration is necessary.
• Do you drive in dusty conditions? If you drive in dry or dusty conditions this can cause an added build up of contaminates in your engine department and prematurely wear out your cabin and engine air filter. Dirt mixed with oil turns to sludge and causes engine wear.
• Do you drive in hilly or mountainous conditions? If you drive primarily on flat roads you are okay, but if you drive on hilly roads with steeper inclines or declines this can cause added wear on your engine. This is multiplied when a vehicle is fully-loaded or towing extra weight and causes the engine to work under more stress.

The fact of the matter is that most people drive in what manufacturers term as "Severe to Extreme" conditions. With Iowa weather most drivers experience severe hot and cold, dusty conditions, and depending on your driving habits short drives, extended idling, or hilly roads. If this is the case the average oil change interval most manufacturer's recommend are between 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you drive a long commute, primarily highway and avoid driving a lot in the winter you may be able to increase your oil change interval to longer than that. For thos who tow, have a full load and drive all year around with frequent stops in the Des Moines or other urban area, then closer to 3,000 miles would be optimal for their engine.

With the advancement in engine oil and vehicle technology, oil change intervals can be extended, but it is very important to read the fine print in manufacturers guidelines in order to assure that you apply the right conditions to your vehicle. For someone knowledgeable about changing their own oil it can be an easy task, but Des Moines Dodge Service Center can also change your oil conveniently and without an appointment. This allows you to not have to worry about the work and get a thorough inspection on your vehicle while we have it in our Des Moines Jeep express lane.