There's a lot that goes into keeping a car healthy to take you around Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois. One of the more vital parts of maintenance is changing your oil regularly. How many miles can you go between oil changes?

It depends on both the model and how often you drive.

Around average, you should change it out between 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but there are plenty of contributing factors that could make the change necessary as soon as 3,000 miles or all the way out to 15,000 miles.

Keep reading the guide we've put together for you at Watermark Nissan of Marion to learn more about how often you should change your car's oil!


Why You Should Change Your Car's Oil Often

Let's backpedal a little; why do we even bother changing out the oil of a car? Well, the oil is like the lifeblood of the engine, keeping it lubricated and running in working order. If it isn't changed out, the oil eventually gets murky and contaminated with pollutants.

Old, polluted oil wears on the engine and can lead to complications and outright malfunctions.

So, it is important to change out the oil regularly to prevent possible problems. 


Synthetic Oil vs Conventional Oil

Way back in the day of classic cars, oil changes were a horse of a different color with more frequent oil changes, usually starting at 3,000 miles. A lot of engine oil today is synthetic, manufactured from modified petroleum, which helps the engine run with greater fuel efficiency and doesn't need to be changed out as often.

For modern cars-using conventional oil or not-the manufacturing means you'll likely be good for 5,000 miles on the low end, 10,000 miles on the high side of things (with certain models taking you up to that mentioned 15,000 miles). With synthetic oil, you're especially safe for longer intervals between changes.

This all changes when you consider the use of the vehicle, of course.


Driving Conditions Affects How Many Miles Between Oil Changes

Not everyone uses their car for the same purposes. Some keep a vehicle for daily commutes or recreational off-roading, and others for business purposes-from taxi driving to landscaping. Car manufacturers know this, which is why your Nissan owner's manual will reflect different maintenance schedules, dependent on your driving conditions.

When you drive under what's considered normal conditions, you typically have longer spans of miles between oil changes. These conditions include:

  • Daily commutes
  • Regular roads
  • Infrequent idling

Then there are special conditions, like:

  • Rough roads
  • Excessive idling
  • Extreme weather

These driving conditions will mean you should change your oil more frequently. How frequently will depend on what's laid out in your owner's manual.

If you have any questions about the condition of your car, or think your car's oil needs to be changed, feel free to reach out to your local dealership to get a professional look!


Schedule a Service Appointment Today

Wherever you drive in the areas of Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, be sure to keep an eye on your car's oil level and condition frequently and follow your Nissan's maintenance schedule to have your car inspected.

Now that you know how many miles you should drive between mile changes, know that we're always ready to help you change it here at Watermark Nissan of Marion.

Call in and schedule a service appointment today. We look forward to helping you!

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Contact

Watermark Nissan of Marion

3209 Banterra Drive
Directions Marion, IL 62959

  • Sales: 618-969-8222
  • Service: (618) 969-8222
  • Parts: (618) 969-8222

Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed