Your oil change intervals depends on what type of vehicle you drive, and what type of driving you do. If you drive a vehicle that has an engine that runs on gasoline and does not leave the pavement then you only need to change the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. And you should only have to change your air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. But if your car has a gasoline engine and is mostly driven on dirt roads and on farms and ranches then you should change the oil every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, and change your airfilter every time you change your oil.

This is due to the fact that dirt and heat makes your oil break down. As the oil gets dirty it loses its viscosity, or stickyness. When oil breaks down it stops clinging to the engine parts and starts causing friction in the motor. As friction builds up, it causes more heat in the engine which breaks the oil down even more.

If you drive a vehicle with a diesel engine,(1 ton or smaller). Then the normal interval is between 4,000 and 6,000 miles. Also depending on where you primarily drive. And you should check your airfilter at every oil change.

All larger trucks and engines should change their oil every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Due to the fact that these engines have bigger moving parts and hold up to 10 gallons of oil, and have larger or more filters. The airfilters should be changed every 100,000 miles or sooner depending on driving conditions. They should also have their transmission oil and differential oils changed often. Every 150,000 miles with multipurpose oil, or 250,000 miles with synthetic.

Most people think that when the oil gets dark it should be changed. This is not always true. Oil has detergents in it, this is to keep the inside of the engine clean. If you have an older vehicle then there is most likely more soot or carbon build up, and the oil can turn dark as soon as you change it. The best way to determine how dirty the oil is, have an oil sample taken and have it tested.

Just remember, the oil is the life of your car. If you change it often, it will last longer.

Learn more about this author, Kelton Tyler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How often should you have your oil changed?
We want to hear your view. Write now!