Changing the oil in your car on a regular basis is one of the most basic services a vehicle needs to perform well. The frequency of oil changes is one of the most commonly asked questions at Christian Brothers Automotive. How often do you really need to change the oil? Is it every 3,000 miles? Or is it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles?

When searching for the right oil change frequency for your car, start by reading what your car manufacturer suggests for your specific make and model. Manufacturers conduct extensive tests to determine how well oil performs when exposed to different elements, including extreme heat, cold weather and other driving conditions. Based on the test results, they have developed suggested guidelines for regular maintenance, including the frequency of an oil change.

You can find the suggested oil change frequency in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Most manufacturers recommended a mileage interval, as well as a time interval. Some manufacturers also suggest changing your oil more frequently if you regularly drive in severe or extreme situations. Others recommend thicker oils for hot climates and thinner oil for cold climates.

At Christian Brothers, we suggest that New Braunfels drivers schedule an oil change every 3,000 miles, especially if they have the following driving habits:

• Frequent stop-and-go traffic
• Excessive idling
• Regular short mileage trips
• Frequent towing
• Frequent driving in humid climates
• Frequent driving in temperatures less than 10 degrees or more than 90 degrees

When you schedule regular oil changes at 3,000-mile intervals, you can expect an average of five oil changes annually.