Oil changes are among the simplest and most important aspects of vehicle maintenance, yet they’re also the easiest to put off. Life gets busy, miles add up quietly, and before you know it, you're well past your recommended interval. But keeping up with oil changes is key to preserving your engine's life, performance, and efficiency.
Whether you’re driving a daily commuter around Van Nuys or taking long trips across the state, staying on top of your oil schedule will keep your engine running clean and strong. Here’s everything you need to know about your next oil change, and why it matters more than you might think.
What Engine Oil Does
Motor oil plays several essential roles inside your engine. It lubricates moving parts to reduce friction, helps regulate temperature, keeps internal components clean, and creates a seal between the pistons and cylinder walls. Without clean oil, your engine would run hotter, wear faster, and build up sludge over time.
As oil ages, it breaks down and loses its protective properties. It becomes thicker, dirtier, and less effective at reducing friction. That’s why even if you’re not hitting high mileage quickly, oil still needs to be changed on a time-based schedule to maintain engine health.
How Often Should You Change It
The old advice of changing your oil every 3,000 miles isn’t always necessary with modern engines and synthetic oils. Many newer vehicles can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, and some even longer. However, it depends on your vehicle, the type of oil used, and how you drive.
Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and extreme heat, like what we see in Southern California, can cause oil to degrade more quickly. For that reason, even if your owner's manual suggests extended intervals, it’s often smarter to stick to a more conservative schedule in demanding conditions.
If you’re not sure what interval is best for your car, ask a trusted technician who knows your vehicle and driving habits.
Signs You’re Due for an Oil Change
Your car’s oil life monitor or dashboard reminder is helpful, but it's not the only sign to watch for. Here are a few additional indicators that it might be time:
- The oil on the dipstick looks dark or gritty
- Engine runs louder or sounds rougher than usual
- You notice decreased fuel economy
- There’s a slight burning smell after driving
- The check engine or oil pressure light appears
Ignoring these signs can cause more than just a performance dip—it can lead to serious internal engine wear and eventually costly repairs.
Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil
If you’ve ever wondered whether synthetic oil is really worth it, the answer depends on your vehicle and budget. Synthetic oil is engineered to resist breakdown better than conventional oil. It provides better protection in both hot and cold temperatures, flows more smoothly, and generally lasts longer.
Some vehicles require synthetic oil by design, especially performance engines or turbocharged setups. Others may not require it, but still benefit from the added protection, especially in hotter climates or under more demanding driving conditions.
At Sean’s Auto Care, we’ll recommend the right oil for your specific vehicle and explain why it’s the best choice for your needs.
The Importance of Regular Filter Changes
An oil change isn’t complete without a new oil filter. The filter traps dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants that would otherwise circulate back into the engine. As it gets clogged over time, it becomes less effective, and in some cases, oil can bypass the filter altogether.
Replacing the filter with every oil change ensures that fresh oil stays clean and keeps doing its job. Skipping this small step can reduce the benefits of even the best synthetic oils.
Sean’s Auto Care – Honest, Professional Oil Service in Van Nuys, CA
At
Sean’s Auto Care, we make oil changes fast, easy, and done right. Whether you're due for routine maintenance or just want peace of mind before a long trip, our team will help you choose the right oil, change your filter, and inspect your vehicle for any other signs of wear. Come by our shop in Van Nuys and take care of your engine with the service it deserves.
