How Many Miles You Can Safely Drive Over Your Oil Change Sticker

If you have ever taken your vehicle to get an oil change, then the odds are you will also have a fresh new sticker on the top left inside part of your front windshield.  This sticker will typically recommend that you schedule your next oil change in 3,000 miles.  While it doesn't hurt to change your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles, it doesn't necessarily help either.  The oil change experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a list of 3 things to check to tell when your vehicle really needs its next oil change.

1. Check Your Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically recommend how many miles to put in between each oil change.  This can range from 5,000 miles up to 10,000 miles.  Be sure to take into account the kind of driving you do as well, typically you can go a little over what your owner's manual recommends if you do primarily highway driving.  REMEMBER to schedule your oil change soon when you reach the recommended distance in your owner's manual.
2. Change Oil Soon Light: Many newer vehicles will typically come with this sensor installed.
   
     Typically the light will come on around when your owner's manual recommends you get an oil change.  Also, keep in mind that the type of driving you do can greatly affect the lifespan of your vehicle's oil, meaning that the light may come on a little before or after the recommended mileage.  Regardless, when your oil change light comes on, be sure to schedule an oil change with your local Bob Sumerel Tire store ASAP.
3. Check The Oil Quality: If your vehicle does not have a "Change Oil Soon" light installed in it do not
   
   worry!  Simply find the dip stick under your hood.  The first time you pull out the dip stick wipe it clean and then dip it into the oil a second time.  Wipe the oil off the dip stick again.  If the oil is a golden/amber color, then you don't have to worry about getting an oil change soon.  If the oil you wipe off after the second dip is black however, that means you may want to schedule an oil change soon.  Your engine oil will typically turn black from the debris it picks up in the engine.  A good practice is to check your oil at home every 3,000 to 4,000 miles to see if you need an oil change.

Also, be sure to check with your manufacturer to see if synthetic oil would be good in your vehicle's engine.  Synthetic oil can sometimes last between 50,000 and 75,000 miles.  That means BIG savings on your oil change spending.  The next time you find yourself needing an oil change, make sure to call your local Bob Sumerel Tire store and get a free preventative maintenance inspection as an added bonus. 

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