Both can indicate it’s time for an oil change. Similarly, you should pay attention if you smell oil inside your car or hear the engine knocking. For instance, if you see the oil change light turn on in your car, it might already be time. However, mileage isn’t the only thing that dictates when you need to change your engine oil. New ones are a little more updated, and as a result, they only need oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Usually, old vehicles require an oil change around every 3,000 miles.

Cushioning the blow of mechanical shockĬhanging a car’s oil is usually a painless procedure, especially if you take the car to a service center.Acting as a dynamic seal in parts like the combustion chamber.Lubricating engine parts and reducing wear.Motor oil keeps your engine healthy and prolongs its service life by: Engine OilĬhecking the engine oil should be at the top of your vehicle maintenance checklist. If you stick to this to-do list, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping your vehicle in excellent running condition.

To help you get started, we have created a 12-point vehicle maintenance checklist. That’s far from the truth.Īll you need to do is understand what you need to do and how often. Most car owners are under the impression that they need to be experienced grease monkeys in order to care for their cars. Most importantly, proactive maintenance protects you from getting into car trouble – and that peace of mind is irreplaceable. A well-maintained car also spends less time in the shop, which saves you money and time. Regular care maximizes the life and performance of your vehicle. Still, being proactive about its maintenance is the best way to avoid pricey repairs (and serious headaches) further down the road.

Car maintenance mileage checklist