Oil change frequency

[Lamboguy]

Are they accurate when they put that little sticker on your window telling you when you need your next oil change, or do you have some time after the mileage they suggest? I'm not current on my next service, because I've been really busy on the weekends and I am a couple hundred miles over their suggestion. I know I need to get it done, but you think it will be fine until next weekend?

 

[Gomera]

Actually, the rules on when you need an oil change have changed, at least for newer cars. I don't know if it has for old cars like mine. You really don't need the oil change as often as they used to say. My hunch is that you're fine, and I would research and find out how often you really need to have it done.

 

[jason]

If you use synthetic you can go above the 3000 mile recommended change. A lot of new cars could go 5k with synthetic. Toyota's Tundra says it can go 10k between changes. I wouldn't go that far though.

 

[Lamboguy]

Oh, I have a 2005 Nissan Altima. It seems fine right now, but I will definately go this weekend as it is about 4000 miles since my last one I think. I didn't know about the change in rules.

 

[Alexus]

It is "recommended" that you change the oil at every 3,000 miles, but for newer model cars, it is not really "required" to change it for 5,000 miles. I just prefer to stick with the 3,000. I care for my car and just want it to be properly maintained.