Synthetic oil is the best type of oil that you can put in your car engine. It is formulated specifically for the purpose of lasting longer and doing a better lubrication job than traditional crude oil. It is a little more expensive to purchase synthetic oil, but it is a small investment to make when you consider the benefits of it.
One of the biggest benefits of synthetic oil is regarding the intervals between oil changes. In the old days, crude oil had to be changed every 3,000 miles that were driven or every 3 months, whichever came first. For someone who drives frequently, this meant they had to get between 4 to 6 oil changes per year. Synthetic oil does not need to be changed nearly this much.
The type of engine and car plays a role in the interval length between oil changes. Car manufacturers are starting to make their latest model vehicles to allow for longer intervals between oil changes. Instead of the classic 3,000-mile or 3-month rule, it has turned into a 5,000-mile or 6-month rule. This means you would get your oil changed every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
However, if you add synthetic oil to the engine of a newer vehicle like this, the intervals are extended even further. Now there are cars where you can change the synthetic oil every 7,000 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first. Otherwise, the general rule is that you change the synthetic oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months. If your manufacturer doesn’t give a recommendation, then go with this assumption regarding the intervals.
Sometimes a car manufacturer may tell you how frequently to get oil changes, but they won’t mention which type of oil to use. This makes all the difference in the world because synthetic oil is formulated to last longer than crude oil or semi-synthetic oil. Ask your car dealership how much longer the oil change intervals will last if you switch to synthetic. Overall, you can expect between 5,000 to 7,000 miles or 6 months.
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Consequences of Not Changing the Oil
Oil changes must be done, or else your engine could suffer irreversible damage. It is such an easy thing to do too. Even if you don’t want to learn how to do it, you can have an auto technician perform the oil change for no more than $20 or $30. To preserve the lifespan and functionality of your engine, it is worth it.
If you don’t get oil changes done at the appropriate intervals, corrosion will form on the engine components because the oil’s chemical compounds get too broken down too much and won’t be able to keep these components clean. Once that happens, those components will get subjected to wear and tear. Then you’ll notice the components having more difficulty operating well.
The result will be a weaker performing engine and damaged components in the engine. By this point, a simple oil change won’t be enough to restore the functionality of your engine. You’ll need to replace the entire engine with a new one, which will cost you thousands of dollars. Wouldn’t it be cheaper just to get a $20 oil change versus a $5,000 engine replacement?
Therefore, change your synthetic oil at the appropriate intervals. If you’re still unsure about which interval is appropriate for your oil change, then just go with the fastest and safest timeframe. In most cases, changing your synthetic oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is good enough for any vehicle. If you don’t drive very much, then don’t wait longer than 6 months to get an oil change.
