I could not find my vehicle listed on the Check Your Number widget on the home page.
The Check Your Number widget contains information for most vehicles made from 2000-present day. Not all makes, models, and years are available. If you cannot find your vehicle in our database, please check your owner’s manual (under “Maintenance”) or consult your authorized dealership for the proper oil change interval “number.”
How can I find out my car maker’s recommendations for oil change frequency?
First, check your car’s owner’s manual for official and thorough information on the proper oil change interval for your vehicle and driving conditions. As a secondary resource, you can use our Check Your Number widget on our home page, which has the recommended oil change interval “numbers” for the most vehicle models from 2000-2012. Finally, contact your vehicle’s auto manufacturer or authorized dealership for more information.
Learn more about finding your proper oil change interval under the What Your ‘Number’ Means page.
How often should motorists change their car’s oil?
It depends on the car’s make, model and year, as well as driving conditions. Many of today’s automakers recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000 or even 10,000 miles. Drivers should check the automaker’s recommendation by reviewing the car’s user manual.
Will changing the oil less frequently harm a car’s engine?
Advances in motor vehicles and oil make it possible to go much longer between oil changes without harming a car’s engine. However, motorists should follow car maker recommendations for oil change frequency based on driving conditions.
How does going longer between oil changes affect a car’s warranty?
Following the car maker’s guidelines for oil change frequency will not affect a vehicle’s warranty.
How much used oil is used in California each year?
Approximately 114 million gallons of used oil are sold in California annually.
How do driving conditions affect the distance motorists can go between oil changes?
Automaker oil change recommendations differ depending upon driving conditions, as well as car make, model and year. According to car manufacturers, drivers considered “severe” should change their oil more frequently or at shorter mileage intervals than drivers considered “normal.” If you drive in any of these conditions in a typical week, you could be driving in severe conditions:
- Cold weather, less than 10 degrees
- Extreme heat, more than 90 degrees
- Extreme humidity
- Towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials
- Repeated short-distance trips of less than five miles
- Extensive idling or in stop-and-go traffic
How can used oil harm California’s environment?
Used motor oil poses a great risk to the environment. Many environmental problems are caused by improper disposal of used motor oil, because it is insoluble, persistent, and contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Used oil that is not recycled often finds its way into California’s precious waterways—our lakes, streams and oceans—via the storm water system. Used oil in waterways threatens fish, waterfowl, insects and aquatic life. And one gallon of used oil can pollute one million gallons of water.
How can Check Your Number help me?
Less is more!
- Less frequent oil changes means more oil saved as one of our precious environmental resources.
- You’ll save money by changing your oil less often!