Oil Up: Signs You May Be Overdue For An Oil Change

Proper service intervals for your engine oil is easily the single most important maintenance item of vehicle ownership. Not sure if your vehicle is due for servicing? We're happy to help!

Why Regular Oil & Filter Changes Still Matter (Even With “Extended-Life” Oil)

Few maintenance services are as simple—or as important—as regularly changing your engine oil and filter. While modern vehicles and advanced oils have come a long way, skipping or delaying oil changes remains one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of your engine.

If you’ve ever wondered whether oil changes are still necessary as often as they used to be—or whether those “15,000-mile oil” claims can really be trusted—this article breaks it down.

What Engine Oil Actually Does

Engine oil isn’t just a lubricant. It plays several critical roles at once:

• Reduces friction between moving metal parts

• Carries heat away from internal components

• Suspends dirt and contaminants so they don’t damage the engine

• Prevents corrosion inside the engine

• Helps maintain proper oil pressure

Over time, oil breaks down from heat, moisture, fuel dilution, and combustion byproducts. As it degrades, it becomes less effective—no matter how “advanced” the formula claims to be.

The oil filter has an equally important job: trapping debris and particles. Once it’s saturated, it can no longer protect your engine effectively.

Signs You May Be Overdue for an Oil Change

Some drivers wait for a dashboard warning light, but by the time symptoms appear, damage may already be starting. Common signs you’re overdue include:

• Engine noise or knocking. Fresh oil cushions moving parts. Old oil loses viscosity, allowing metal-to-metal contact.

• Dark, gritty oil. Clean oil is amber and smooth. Dirty oil looks black and feels gritty when rubbed between fingers.

• Oil change or check engine light. These alerts shouldn’t be ignored—especially if they come on earlier than expected.

• Rough idling or sluggish acceleration. Increased friction makes the engine work harder.

• Burning oil smell inside or outside the vehicle. This can indicate oil breaking down or leaking onto hot engine components.

• Poor fuel economy. Increased resistance inside the engine means more fuel is required to do the same work.

The Truth About “Extended Oil Change Intervals”

Many oil manufacturers market extended oil change intervals—sometimes 10,000 to 15,000 miles or more. While these claims are technically possible under ideal conditions, real-world driving is rarely ideal.

Extended intervals often assume:

• Mostly highway driving

• Mild climate

• No towing or heavy loads

• Minimal idling

• A perfectly functioning engine

In reality, many vehicles experience:

• Short trips where the engine never fully warms up

• Stop-and-go traffic

• Heat, humidity, or cold extremes

• Fuel dilution from modern direct-injection engines

• Carbon buildup and sludge formation

Even if the oil itself can last longer, the filter often can’t. Once the filter is overloaded, contaminants circulate freely through the engine—negating the benefits of high-quality oil.

It’s also worth noting that oil analysis and manufacturer testing is done under controlled conditions, not on high-mileage engines with wear, seals aging, and varied maintenance histories.

Why Conservative Oil Changes Save Money Long-Term

Regular oil and filter changes are one of the least expensive ways to prevent:

• Timing chain wear

• Sludge buildup

• Oil control ring failure

• Variable valve timing issues

• Premature engine failure

Engines today are more complex, more expensive, and less forgiving than those of the past. Saving a few oil changes over the life of a vehicle rarely offsets the cost of repairs caused by neglected lubrication.

So, How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The safest approach is to follow:

• Your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, and

• A shorter interval if you drive in city traffic, extreme temperatures, or do frequent short trips

For many vehicles, this still falls in the 5,000–6,000 mile range, even with synthetic oil. Additionally, research and field tests show that most engine oils show noticeable signs of wear around 6 months, regardless of the number of miles driven.

When in doubt, earlier is much better than later.

Final Thoughts

Oil changes may not be glamorous, but they are foundational to engine longevity. While extended-life oils have their place, they shouldn’t be treated as a free pass to ignore regular maintenance—especially in real-world driving conditions.

If you’re unsure when your last oil change was, or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s worth addressing sooner rather than later.

Preventive maintenance costs less than repairs—every time.

Ready for Your Next Oil Change?

If it’s been a while since your last oil and filter change—or you’re not sure where you stand—now is the perfect time to take care of it.

We make oil changes simple, convenient, and transparent by coming to you. No waiting rooms, no upsells, and no guesswork—just honest service done right.

Use our online scheduling tool to book your next oil change in minutes.

Choose a time that works for you, and we’ll handle the rest.

Regular maintenance today helps prevent costly repairs tomorrow. Your engine will thank you.