Regular oil changes are a key way to prolong the life of an engine, but automakers have lengthened recommended intervals in recent years, making operating conditions and driving habits part of the equation. With improved engine and oil quality, 3,000 has become the minimum in many cases. In fact, most manufacturers are recommending, five, seven, even 10,000 miles between changes for the average driver in a new car. Lengthening the miles between changes also puts more money in the driver’s pocket and less strain on the environment.
In fact, manufacturers like Honda and General Motors equip many of their vehicles with computers that calculate the remaining life of the vehicle’s oil, based on driving habits and environment, taking any guess work out of the equation.