Depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer for how often you should change your oil. Some people will say every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Others will say every 5,000 miles. So, which is it?

To get to the bottom of this, we need to understand a little bit about what oil does and why it's important. Oil is responsible for lubricating and cooling the engine. Engine parts can become very hot during operation and if they are not properly lubricated, they can grind against each other and cause serious damage. Oil also absorbs and stores contaminants created by the combustion process. Over time, these contaminants can degrade the oil and reduce its effectiveness.

Most modern engines are designed to operate on a wide range of oil types and brands. However, it's important to consult your owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. The type of oil that you use can also affect how often it needs to be changed - synthetic oils tend to last longer than regular oils. In general, though, most mechanics agree that you should change your oil every 5,000 miles.

How To Tell If You Need An Oil Change

Even if you don't hit the 5,000 mile mark, there are other signs that you may need an oil change sooner rather than later. One way to tell is by checking the color of your oil dipstick. If the oil is dark brown or black, it's time for a change. If you notice metal shavings on the dipstick or in the oil itself, that's also an indication that it's time for an oil change as well as further inspection by a qualified mechanic.

You may also notice that your "check engine" light is illuminated on your dash. While this could indicate a number of different issues with your vehicle, one possibility is that your engine is low on oil. Another common symptom of needing an oil change is increased engine noise or knocking sounds coming from under the hood.

All engines require regular maintenance in order to function properly and one of the most important components of routine maintenance is changing your engine oil regularly. Depending on who you ask, you may get different advice for how often to do this but most mechanics agree that changing your oil every 5,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. You may need to change it more frequently if you notice any metal shavings in the oil or if your "check engine" light comes on. Paying attention to these things will help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come!