Your guide to Oil-Change Intervals

Caring for your vehicle requires regular maintenance. But maintenance schedules can differ for every vehicle based on its unique needs and the driver's habits. Oil changes are among the most manageable maintenance tasks you can perform, but timing is key in keeping your engine in optimal condition. How often should I do an oil change? Can I use synthetic oil in my Volvo? What about oil changes for a vintage vehicle? 

In this guide, we offer answers to these and other all-important questions about changing your vehicle's oil. 

Consider Your Vehicle's Age

Your owner's manual is an excellent resource for oil changes. The manual should contain a recommended oil change schedule, but you can also look to some general guidelines.

You've probably heard the oft-repeated advice to change your oil every 3,000 miles. That's because changing the oil frequently was necessary to avoid sludge and buildup before modern advancements in oil composition and engine technology. Even today's conventional motor oils outperform their predecessors, keeping engines running smoothly until 5,000 or even 6,000 miles. The average American vehicle owner drives around 12,000 to 13,000 miles per year. If this matches your driving habits and you use conventional oil, you can change that oil every 5,000 miles or so.

Does the 3,000-mile recommendation even apply anymore? Surprisingly, drivers who make mostly short trips (10 miles or less) should follow this suggestion. You may need to change the oil every 1,000 miles in some cases. That's because infrequent or short trips don't allow a vehicle's engine to get hot enough to burn off condensation inside. Starting your vehicle often without driving significant distances also racks up more wear and tear on the engine.

Meanwhile, older vehicles may also need a little extra TLC. This is especially true if your car or truck is more than 20 years old. For these vehicles, change their oil around every 3,000 miles or so. Talk to your auto service technician for older classic and antique vehicles (think a '68 Volvo 164 or a '57 PV444).

Scheduling Oil Change Services With Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil uses different formulas and production processes. Regular oil comes from crude oil, but synthetic oils come from natural ingredients and a unique chemical process. As a result, synthetic oil molecular chains tend to be more similar in size. With a more even molecular structure plus protective properties from its additives, synthetic oil often lasts longer while keeping your engine cleaner and better protecting it from excess wear and tear. 

With all that said, your oil change interval will be different if your vehicle uses synthetic oil. Depending on your make and model, you may be able to change your oil every 15,000 miles or so. However, it's a good idea to check with your mechanic. You can get specialized recommendations based on your vehicle and typical driving patterns.  

Volvo Oil Change Intervals

While Volvos aren't vastly different from other vehicles, you need to keep a few things in mind when it comes to oil changes. Depending on your specific driving habits, you can likely go about 12,000 to 16,000 kilometers before your Volvo needs an oil change. In the imperial system, that works out to between 7,450 and 9,940 miles. Yet many factors can influence your Volvo's ideal schedule for oil changes. You should consider more frequent changes if you perform specific tasks or your vehicle faces unusual driving conditions:

• Heavy towing

• Off-road driving

• Commercial driving

• Driving in extreme temperatures

• Living in a dusty climate

• Frequent stop-and-go driving

• Racing

With these applications, it's best to talk with your mechanic. You can get specific recommendations that can help keep your Volvo's engine at peak performance. 

Your Volvo Experts in San Francisco

Thanks for reading our guide to oil changes! We hope that these useful pointers help you pick an ideal oil change schedule for your vehicle. As a premier Volvo dealer in the Bay Area, Volvo of Burlingame wants to ensure that you get the best mileage and performance out of your vehicle.