how often should i get an oil change

The frequency for getting an oil change depends on several factors including the type of oil used, your vehicle, and driving conditions. Modern vehicles using synthetic or semi-synthetic oils typically require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or even longer. The old rule of thumb which suggested changing oil every 3,000 miles is mostly outdated. For conventional oil, changing it after approximately 5,000 to 7,500 miles of driving is common. If you drive under severe conditions, such as lots of short trips, extreme heat, or dusty environments, you may need to change your oil more frequently. Additionally, many new cars have oil-life monitoring systems that alert you when an oil change is necessary. Also, even if mileage thresholds are not reached, it's often recommended to change oil twice a year because oil degrades over time and moisture can accumulate in the engine, which harms engine longevity. The best practice is to follow the manufacturer's oil change interval recommendations specified in the vehicle's owner's manual, which takes vehicle-specific factors into account.