How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Adding oil to engine

If you own a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, you need to change the oil periodically to keep the pistons moving efficiently and effectively. Just like your blood keeps the muscles moving and healthy, oil changes are vital to your vehicle’s health and longevity. Just like your body, you want your vehicle to stay in great shape! Automakers have made many improvements in engine technology and fully synthetic motor oils in recent years, and these improvements help Round Rock drivers to go much longer between oil changes than they used to. You no longer have oil changes every three months and 3,000 miles when you buy a new vehicle or later model vehicle.

Most new vehicles, like many on our lot, have an oil change frequency between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Even though these are typical numbers, you should always check your owner’s manual or oil life monitoring system (OLMS) for specifics because the manufacturer may have different requirements from model year to model year..

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Some vehicles have a higher oil change frequency than others. However, the general rule of thumb is to get an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Your onboard OLMS will tell you when it’s time to change your vehicle’s oil. The vehicle’s computer will monitor driving conditions around Leander or Cedar Park to determine how often you should change the oil. You should never go more than one year without getting an oil change, no matter how much or how little you drive.

Older vehicles may need more frequent oil changes, like every 3,000 to 5,000 miles because they aren’t made with newer engine parts or engineering standards. You should still consider synthetic oil for an oil change to make the pistons last longer. Synthetic oil, while more expensive, is better for your engine because petroleum companies can custom-make synthetic oil for various engines and pistons.

Be aware of what conditions you drive your vehicle in. If you’re driving in less-than-ideal conditions that can take a greater toll on your engine, it may need oil changes more frequently.

If you engage in these activities with your vehicle, keep an eye on your oil for signs you need to bring it in for service more often:

  • Off-roading
  • Commercial use
  • Racing
  • Heavy towing

Oil Change Frequency Information

Want more oil change tips? We’ve got you covered! If you still have questions about auto care, oil changes, and vehicle maintenance, contact our service center or give us a call at (512) 910-4708. We want you to get the most out of your car ownership!

  • Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center to see if your car, truck, or SUV needs synthetic or conventional oil. Synthetic oil costs more per oil change but lasts longer. You’ll have less frequent oil changes with synthetic oil, and it helps your vehicle’s engine stay in top condition for many years. Most new vehicles require synthetic oil. You will actually save money over the course of vehicle ownership when you go for a synthetic oil change.
  • Oil eventually breaks down, even when the car isn’t driven very much. If you don’t drive often, you should still change your oil at least once per year to keep the oil fresh.
  • Make sure you change your oil filter when you change the oil. Our parts center can find the right oil filter for your specific make and model. Better yet, bring your vehicle into our service center for an oil change! We promise fast, friendly, and efficient service so you can be on your way in no time flat!

How Often Should You Check Your Oil Level?

Check your oil level at least once a month. It’s very easy to do! Just lift the hood of your car, prop it open, and look for the yellow or orange dipstick. Clean, fresh oil looks translucent and amber in color. Over time, your oil will change to an opaque, dark brown hue. It will also get thinner and more easily drip off of your dipstick compared to new oil.

If you see that you’re low on oil or need auto service, schedule service with us at Covert Buick GMC Austin. We can keep your car, truck, or SUV running in top condition for years to come, giving you a better return on your initial investment.

Get an Oil Change in Austin

Now that you know how often you should change your oil, bring your vehicle in for an oil change in Austin! Our expert service team can help you take care of your vehicle in so many ways. We service or replace tires, brakes, batteries, radiators, and just about anything else! Look over our service offers to see how much money you could save on regular car maintenance. Our team is happy to help in any way we can!

Service Specials at Covert Buick GMC Austin

Clean Fuel Injectors

$149.95

Starting Motor Circuit Check

$49.95

Four Wheel Alignment

$159.95

Check and adjust caster, camber and set toe. Check tire pressure and wear. Check all steering and suspension. Additional parts and labor may be required on some vehicles.

*Inspect all fluid levels and condition. Check belts and hoses. Lube door and hood hinges, lube steering, suspension and driveline. Includes up to 6 quarts of motor oil and new ACDelco oil filter. Diesels may be slightly higher.

Military Discount

10% OFF

from Covert Buick GMC Austin

*Maximum $50. Does not include oil changes, tires, or maintenance items. Coupon cannot be combined with other offers and must be presented at time of Service. See Service Advisor for Details.

Front Wheel Alignment

$129.95

Check and adjust caster, camber and set toe. Check tire pressure and wear. Check all steering and suspension. Additional parts and labor may be required on some vehicles.

*See Dealer for Details.

Tire Price Match Guarantee

& 50% OFF ALIGNMENT

Buy a set of 2 or 4 Tires. We will match any competitor’s price. Add a 5 year road hazard protection plan for $25.00 per tire.

*Limit 1 per customer. Coupon cannot be combined with other offers and must be presented at time of Service.

Air Conditioning Check

$129.95

Get Ready for Warmer Weather!

Air Conditioning performance check and diagnosis. Will include evacuation and recharge if leak cannot be detected. Does NOT include refrigerant.

*Must present coupon at time of write up. WILL NOT be honored if presented at time of payment. NO exceptions. See Service Advisor for Details.

Check Engine Light

$84.95

Don’t Wait with A Check Engine Light!

Check engine light diagnosis.

*Must present coupon at time of write up. WILL NOT be honored if presented at time of payment. NO exceptions. See Service Advisor for Details.

Rotate Tires

$29.95

Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.

*See Dealer for Details.

Balance & Rotate Tires

$64.95

Check tire pressure & adjust as necessary. Rotate tires. Inspect tires and wheels for abnormal wear & damage. Torque wheel nuts as recommended.

*See Dealer for Details.

Transmission Service with Filter

$189.95

Drain and refill the transmission with approved fluid. Adjust linkage if necessary. Install filter and gasket. Check transmission operation.

*See Dealer for Details.

Charging Circuit Check

$59.95

*Check and adjust caster, camber and set toe. Check tire pressure and Check and adjust caster, camber and set toe. Check tire pressure and wear. Check all steering and suspension. Additional parts and labor may be required on some vehicles.

 

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11750 Research Blvd, Austin, TX, 78759
Covert Buick GMC Austin 30.421, -97.74862.