When should I change my engine oil?
- Logan McKinely
- Aug 25, 2025
- 3 min read
For decades, drivers were told to change their oil every 3,000 miles. But thanks to advances in engine design and oil technology, many modern cars can go 7,500 to even 10,000 miles between oil changes. Sounds like a money-saver, right? Maybe—but there are tradeoffs. Let’s look at the pros and cons of extending your oil change intervals so you can make the best decision for your car.
The Pros of Longer Oil Change Intervals
1. Cost Savings Over Time
Fewer oil changes mean fewer service bills. If your car can safely go 7,500 miles instead of 3,000, you could cut your annual oil change costs in half.
2. Convenience
Life is busy. Extending oil changes means fewer trips to the shop, less time spent waiting, and less hassle scheduling service.
3. Environmental Benefits
Used oil must be properly disposed of or recycled. Longer intervals mean less oil waste and fewer filters heading to landfills.
4. Modern Oils are Built to Last
High-quality synthetic oils resist breakdown, handle extreme heat, and protect against deposits much better than conventional oils. A study by AAA found synthetic oils offered 47% better engine protection than conventional oils under stress tests (AAA, 2017).
The Cons of Longer Oil Change Intervals
1. Risk of Engine Wear
As oil ages, it gradually loses its ability to lubricate, cool, and protect your engine. Studies have shown that after about 12,000 km (~7,500 miles), protective additives such as detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents break down significantly (Bohac et al., 2023).
When oil degrades, friction inside the engine increases, which can lead to:
• Accelerated wear on piston rings and cylinder walls
• Loss of compression and power over time
• Increased oil consumption, as worn seals and rings allow oil to burn off inside the combustion chamber
Even small amounts of extra wear add up over thousands of miles, potentially shortening the life of the engine.
2. Oil Consumption Issues
Some engines naturally consume a small amount of oil between changes, but if you extend intervals too long, that consumption can drop the oil level dangerously low. Low oil volume means:
• Less lubrication and higher friction
• Hotter running temperatures
• Greater risk of metal-to-metal contact inside the engine
Running even a quart or two low on oil over extended intervals can be enough to cause premature bearing or camshaft wear, leading to expensive repairs.
3. Contaminants Build Up Over Time
As oil circulates, it picks up dirt, combustion byproducts, and even microscopic metal particles. Normally, detergents and the oil filter keep these contaminants suspended and under control. But after too many miles:
• The oil filter can clog, forcing dirty oil to bypass the filter
• Contaminants settle as sludge, blocking oil passages
• Abrasive particles circulate, acting like sandpaper inside the engine
Fleet testing has shown that soot and other contaminants rise significantly when oils are pushed far past recommended intervals (Świątek et al., 2024).
4. Premature Engine Damage = Higher Long-Term Costs
Skipping one or two oil changes might feel like saving money, but if extended intervals lead to engine wear, the cost of engine repair or replacement can reach into the thousands. Compared to the price of an oil change, it’s not worth the gamble for most drivers.
So, What’s the Right Oil Change Interval?
The best answer is in your owner’s manual—your manufacturer knows your engine best. As a general guideline:
• Synthetic oil: every 7,500–10,000 miles (under normal conditions)
• Conventional oil: every 3,000–5,000 miles
• Severe driving conditions: shorten your interval (oftentimes down to 5,000 miles even with synthetic)
If you’re unsure, stick to the middle ground: about 5,000–7,500 miles for most vehicles with synthetic oil.
Get Your Oil Change in College Station, TX
At The Right Shop, we provide fast, affordable oil changes in College Station, TX, with both synthetic and conventional options. Our certified technicians also check filters, fluids, and overall vehicle health so you can drive with confidence.
Whether you’re a student at Texas A&M, a daily commuter, or preparing for a road trip, our team will help you find the right oil change interval for your driving habits.
Stop by our shop in College Station, TX or schedule an appointment online today!
Citations:
AAA Synthetic vs Conventional Oil Study (2017)
Oil Life Degradation & Additive Breakdown
Fleet Study: Contaminant Build-Up in Extended Intervals (2024)
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