Valvoline.com

Does my vehicle need an oil change every 3,000 miles?

Valvoline recommends changing the oil in your vehicle every 3,000 miles. Most consumers (more than 80 percent of drivers, according to a State of California study) drive under what is considered severe driving conditions (stop and go, short trips, towing, or very hot or very cold temperatures). Auto manufacturers' oil change frequency recommendations are dramatically shorter for severe driving conditions, with the majority recommending 3,750 miles or less and with 3,000 miles being the most common recommendation. Both oil and oil filters have less of a useful life under severe conditions due to increased dirt and other contaminants. So, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles is the best way to ensure engine health.

Do I have to change my vehicle's oil filter with every oil change?

Yes. Valvoline recommends replacing the filter every time your vehicle receives an oil change by following the oil change frequency recommendations in your vehicle's owner's manual. This eliminates any risk of contaminants trapped by the oil filter (e.g., dirt) from re-entering the oil.

Can my vehicle run longer between oil changes if I replace the oil filter?

Valvoline recommends changing the oil filter and oil every 3,000 miles. Both oil and oil filters have less of a useful life under severe conditions due to increased dirt and other contaminants. So, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles is a great oil change tip that will help to ensure engine health.

I heard that when motor oil becomes dark, that means it's time to change it. Is this true?

This is not a true oil change tip. You cannot determine the life of motor oil by looking at its appearance since it may change color for several reasons. To ensure the best quality product, the best oil change tip is to always follow the owner's manual guidelines for oil change intervals.