What’s your car’s oil life?

3,000? 5,000? 10,000? What’s the magic number when it comes to getting your oil changed?

For years, people have gone by mileage to know when the oil needs to be changed. But there are so many other factors to consider. Here are a few of them:

Your car’s make and model. If you drive an older car, then it is probably a good idea to stick close to changing your oil every 3,000 miles. But if you drive a newer model (2006 or later), there’s a good chance you can go higher. 5,000 is a common recommendation now. You’ll want to check your owner’s manual to make sure. (Some even go as high as 10,000, but you’ll want to think about the following factors before you go that high.)

Type of oil used. Conventional motor oils are petroleum based. This type of oil is the cheaper option. Many newer models recommend synthetic motor oil. Synthetic oil is a chemical formula that can last much longer than conventional oil. Synthetic costs more, but the trade off is a longer life. Synthetic oil withstands high temperatures and flows better even in cold weather.

Driving conditions. If you drive in severe conditions, then you’ll probably need to change your oil before 5,000. What are severe driving conditions? Some are obvious: rough terrain, extreme temperatures, extremely muddy or dusty conditions, lots of starts, stops and idling. One severe driving condition might surprise you, though. Did you know that not driving your car for extended periods of time or driving only short distances falls under severe? Rather than saving wear and tear on your car, lack of use can be hard on it.

How you drive it. For some people, this may be the biggest challenge! You have to take care of your car – and this includes how you drive it. True, you have no control over some driving conditions. But you do have control over how aggressively you drive and how you use your vehicle. If you tow heavy loads regularly or spend lots of time zipping down dirt roads, your engine – and oil – will get dirty much faster.

Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your car, and this includes regular oil changes. Happy driving!