When Is It Time for an Oil Change? | Wichita Auto Care

When Is It Time for an Oil Change? | Wichita Auto Care

When it’s time for an oil change, see the Wichita auto care experts at Tracy’s Automotive.

You were driving home from the RV show when it occurred to you that you haven’t had your oil changed in a while. You’re not sure how long, because you’re not great at keeping with such things and the little sticker on your windshield has faded. But your car seems to be running fine.

Still, how often should you change your oil?

A good place to start is your car owner’s manual, which generally says something like, change your oil every so-many thousands of miles. But even that might not be really helpful because, as Carfax.com points out, “you’ll likely see two separate oil-change intervals listed, one for ‘normal’ use and the other for ‘severe’ operation. For example, a car’s normal use might warrant a change every 7,500 miles, while severe driving could require a change every 3,000 miles.”

Deciding whether you’re a “normal” driver or subject your car to “severe” use can be tricky. If you think, for example, that repeated trips of less than 5 miles puts you in the “normal” category, you’d be wrong.

Carfax.com says, “Severe use can include subjecting your car or truck to at least one of the following conditions in a typical week:

  • “Extensive idling or stop-and-go traffic.
  • “Cold driving conditions (Less than 10 degrees.)
  • “Extreme heat (More than 90 degrees.)
  • “Extreme humidity.
  • “Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles.
  • “Towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials.”

Carfax.com concludes, “Even if you only rack up a modest number of miles over the course of a year, car care experts suggest you still change a car’s oil at least every six months. That’s because as motor oil ages, it loses its effectiveness and can lead to premature wear. Also, be sure to replace the oil filter with every change.”

When it is time to change your oil, make it easy on yourself by having the Wichita auto care specialists at Tracy’s Automotive do the work.

Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.

Tracy’s Automotive | Wichita Auto Care | Wichita Auto Repair | Wichita Oil Change

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