Why Do I Need to Change My Oil?

Oil is the lifeblood of an engine; it lubricates and cleans moving parts and performs a vital cooling function as it circulates. Over time and repeated exposure to cold starts, short trips and engine heat, oil gets dirty, becomes thicker and loses its ability to prevent sludge and deposits from forming. Mechanics often say that changing the oil is the best preventative medicine for extending engine life. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend oil change intervals of 7,500 to 10,000 miles, but most mechanics say it’s better to do it more often, such as every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.