Oil Change Intervals

oil change

How often should you change your oil in Fishers, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN? There used to be a set oil change interval that was recommended across many vehicle makes and models. However, innovations in engines and engine oil along with research into how driving conditions affect oil life have led to more personalized oil change intervals.

The main factor that affects your recommended oil change interval is the type of oil your car uses. Find out common oil change intervals for conventional and synthetic oil, then learn about the recommendations for cars on our lot at Andy Mohr Buick GMC. 

Of course, the recommendations in this article are general guidelines. Always check your owner’s manual for recommendations that are specific to your vehicle. 

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Conventional Oil conventional oil

Conventional oil doesn’t last as long as synthetic does. However, it certainly doesn’t need to be changed every 3,000 miles, as traditional wisdom states—unless you’re driving under very extreme conditions. These conditions include doing the following tasks on a regular basis:

 

  • Towing a heavy trailer or hauling your vehicle’s maximum load 
  • Off-roading across dusty terrain or navigating steep hills 
  • Driving for long periods of time in sub-zero temperatures 
  • Idling for long periods of time, such as in stop-and-go traffic 

 

Under moderate operating conditions, which can include occasional driving under the above conditions, you should only need a conventional oil change every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or so.  

 

Synthetic Oil synthetic oil change

Synthetic oil can last two to three times longer than conventional oil, saving you trips to the mechanic. Generally, car manufacturers recommend a synthetic oil change interval of 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Only a couple manufacturers recommend a 5,000-mile interval for synthetic oil in vehicles with turbocharged engines. At the same time, there are other synthetic oils that can last for up to 15,000 miles. 

 

Buick And GMC Oil Change Intervals

If you drive a newer Buick Encore or a GMC Acadia, Terrain, or Sierra 1500, you’re in luck: Your car is equipped with an oil life monitor that lets you know when it’s time to change your oil. This feature keeps track of factors that affect how long your oil lasts, such as engine temperature, RPM, load, and time.

When the system estimates your engine oil is nearing the end of its life, it’ll notify you with a dashboard light that says “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON.” This notification means you should get your oil changed within the next 600 miles. 

Your engine oil will often last 7,500 miles or up to a year before the system recommends an oil change unless you drive under severe conditions as outlined above. You can also check the percentage of remaining oil life from the Vehicle Information Menu found in the Driver Information Center.  check oil

 

Schedule Your Next Oil Change

If you’re driving around Fishers, Indianapolis, or Noblesville and your dashboard is telling you to change your oil soon—or if you’ve reached your car’s recommended mileage limit between oil changes—our qualified technicians at Andy Mohr Buick GMC can take care of you. Contact us today to schedule an oil change!

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Andy Mohr Buick GMC

9295 E 131ST STREET
Fishers, IN 46038
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