How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The health of your vehicle depends on your oil change frequency, much like your own health depends on eating healthy. Unlike humans, cars can’t make their own lifeblood, but knowing how often you should change your oil is important for keeping your car healthy and your passengers safe. Thanks to improvements over the last decade in terms of oil, engine technology, and other tricks, Murrieta drivers can go much longer in terms of oil change frequency. Most new Toyota models today have an oil change frequency between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Still, it’s important to always make sure you check what your owner’s manual has to say, as it will have the specifics for your model. If you have any questions about how often you should change the oil in your used Camry, you can contact us to speak to our expert service team.

Schedule an Oil Change

Recommended Oil Change Frequency

A lot of Lake Elsinore drivers don’t know the answer to, “How often should you change your oil?” Some cars have a higher oil change frequency, while others can go longer between them, but in most cases, you’re going to be wanting to get your oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If your regular driving around Menifee includes any of the following, you might need to increase your oil change frequency:

• Off-roading
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

Signs You Need an Oil Change

How do you know if you need an oil change more frequently? There are some warning signs you might start to notice on your Menifee commute. Here are the key signs that you need an oil change:

• Knocking or ticking noises from the engine
• Strange oil texture or consistency
• Low oil levels
• “Check engine” warning light
• Vibrations when idle
• Problems changing gears

What are the signs of low oil? If this is the case, you may notice the “oil pressure warning light” illuminated on your dashboard, a burning oil smell, an overheating engine, a clunking sound, or less efficient performance.

Oil Change Tips

If you’re looking for some additional tips when it comes to oil changes, we’ve certainly got them! If you have any questions, our service center is always ready to help you.

• Check your owner’s manual to see if you should use synthetic or conventional oil in your car. Synthetic oil costs more but lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
• Oil eventually breaks down, even when the car isn’t driven on a consistent basis. If you don’t often drive, you should still change your oil at least twice per year.
• Make sure you change your oil filter whenever you change your oil. You can trust that when you get an oil change at Temecula Valley Toyota, you’ll be getting a filter replacement. But if you’re doing your replacement at home, our parts center can get you the right filter.

Checking Your Oil Levels

You should check your oil levels at least once a month to make sure you’re not leaking oil or that it hasn’t degraded too fast. Things like changes in your oil’s color, as well as the texture, can be a sign of a serious problem. If you ever see any signs that concern you, schedule service with us immediately, as no one knows your vehicle better than you.

Bring Your Vehicle into Temecula Valley Toyota Today

Now that you know how often you should change your oil, your next step is making sure you’re keeping up with all of your other routine maintenance needs! Speak to our team at Temecula Valley Toyota for any maintenance questions to make sure you’re staying up to date.