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Can You Get Away with Oil Changes Every 7,500 Miles?

November 18, 2009

When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next. The sticker always gives you a mileage of 3,000 miles or 3 months into the future, whichever comes first.The old standard used to be 3,000 miles, but newer cars are built to need less maintenance. Do you really have to have an oil change every 3,000 miles?

Most automakers now recommend getting an oil change every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, they recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles if you drive in “severe” conditions.What do they mean by “severe” driving? “Severe” conditions include driving in hot, cold, dusty, and ocean-side environments, towing a trailer, making many short trips and city driving. That’s a large percentage of the drivers out there!

They say that over-maintaining your car is a waste of money and I agree, but oil changes are very inexpensive. You should be able to get your oil changed for about . If your car experiences any of these “severe” conditions, it’s well worth the extra a year. Your other choice is risking under-maintenance, which may mean costly repairs or a shortened useful life. If you maintain your car well, it should last 200,000 miles or more. The longer you can make your current car last, the more money you’ll keep. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you’re no longer using for car payments. You could get your next car free and clear!

No one enjoys taking their car in for any maintenance or repairs. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. Oil changes are readily available at many convenient locations, including the corner service station and even Wal Mart. If you can combine this chore with shopping for instance, you’ll save time. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And many shops offer pleasant and convenient waiting areas. Many have televisions, snacks and free wi-fi.

Most of us should follow the old standard of 3,000 miles. It’s inexpensive, easy and smart. So pick a shop and get into the habit. When you’re still driving your paid-off car and it’s still reliable, you’ll be glad that you invested a little extra time and money.

Jazelauto.com designs car dealer websites to drive more online traffice to dealerships.

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