Home > Tire and Auto Repair Blog > Oil Change 101: Everything You Need to Know

Getting your vehicle’s oil changed is an important part of your vehicle maintenance, and you should always know the answer to some common questions about standard vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes. Knowing the answers to the following questions will help you make sure your vehicle’s oil change is done correctly and on time.

Oil Change 101: Everything You Need to Know

  • How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed? You should get your oil changed about every 3 months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, the conditions you drive in will also determine how often your oil should be changed. If you live in a high traffic city, idle your car a lot (due to a lot of time at stop lights), or live in an area with dust storms, the conditions you drive in are considered “severe driving” conditions. This means your oil changes will need to be more frequent.
  • How Often Should I Check My Vehicle’s Oil Level? Keeping an eye on your vehicle’s oil level is very important because in between oil changes, you still might need to top off your oil. By keeping an eye on your vehicle’s oil level, you will also be able to catch if there is a leak. If you find your vehicle’s oil level dropping frequently, your vehicle probably has a leak, and you should take it in to get fixed as soon as possible.
  • What Type of Oil Should I Use? The answer to this question can usually be found in your owner’s manual. It can also be found printed on the top of your oil cap. However, your manual may not tell you if you need full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic/synthetic blend oil, high mileage oil, or conventional oil, so if you are not sure which type to use, consult with your mechanic.

These three basic questions are ones people should know the answers to. That way, you can make sure your vehicle continues to run at its best. If you are in need of an oil change, give us a call today at Lindsay Tire Automotive & Accessories, and we will get it taken care of for you.