Oil cap

How Often You Should Change Your Oil

How often should you change your oil? If you live in Brookings, you might ask yourself this question often. For the longest time, the recommendation was always every 3,000 miles. However, due to the advancements in vehicles recently, that recommendation is now closer to 7,000 and 10,000 miles. Our service department at Brookings Auto Mall has the expertise to help you know when you should change your oil or when you can wait a little longer.

Guidelines on Oil Change Frequency

While the current recommendation for an oil change today is between 7,000 and 10,000 miles, some vehicles may need an oil change sooner. Be sure to check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see how often you should change your oil. Your vehicle may need an oil change sooner than 7,000 miles if your vehicle applies to any of the following circumstances:

  • Off-road driving
  • Regular commercial use
  • Frequent racing
  • Heavy-duty towing

To see that your vehicle runs smoothly on the Sioux Falls roads, take it to Brookings Auto Mall for a quick and easy oil change.

What if You Don’t Change the Oil?

To run like normal, your car needs fresh oil. The oil acts as a lubricant that helps parts move around in your engine with friction. When oil is in your car for a long time, the oil collects debris and dirt, which causes the oil to build up. This is why oil change frequency needs to be followed. If you don’t change your oil regularly, you may experience some of the following:

  • Check engine and/or oil change lights come on
  • Strange knocking or rattling coming from the engine
  • Muddy and dark oil
  • Exhaust pipe emitting smoke
  • Engine getting too hot

More Oil Changing Things to Know

If you’re still not sure how often you should change your oil, contact our service center in Brookings to make sure you’re not going too long without changing the oil. Here are some other helpful tips:

  • Even if you don’t drive around Watertown all that often, you’ll want to change your oil at least twice a year. Oil can still break down even when you’re not using your car.
  • Whenever you change the oil, be sure to replace the oil filter as well. If you want to do it yourself, then our parts center makes it easy to order parts online.
  • If you’re not sure whether to use synthetic or standard oil, you can find out in your owner’s manual. You don’t want to put the wrong oil in your car.

Checking the Oil Level

You know about oil change frequency, but what about checking the oil level? It’s safe to check your oil level at least once a month. Look out for any changes in the color of your oil or any metal pieces or particles in your oil. These can both be signs of breaking down and buildup.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change at Brookings Auto Mall

Now that you know how often you should change your oil, schedule a service with Brookings Auto Mall. Take advantage of our service specials to get the most out of every oil change. Contact us to get your oil changed as quickly and as easily as possible! Visit Brookings Auto Mall for all of your vehicle maintenance questions like how often to rotate tires.

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2323 E 6th Street, Brookings, SD, 57006
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