More about the Check Your Number oil change interval widget
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.”
If you did find your “number” on our home page, great! So what does this number mean?
The Check Your Number widget’s “number” is the recommended oil change mileage interval for your car, based on normal driving conditions. The actual oil change interval may vary depending on various factors, such as driving conditions, the condition of the car, and/or the type/brand of engine oil applied.
If you drive in normal conditions, you DO NOT drive in one of the following conditions in a typical week:
- Extensive idling or in stop-and-go traffic
- Cold weather, less than 10 degrees
- Extreme heat, more than 90 degrees
- Extreme humidity
- Repeated short-distance trips of less than five miles
- Towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials
If you do drive in any one of these conditions in a typical week, you may be driving in severe conditions, and may need to change your oil more often. Please consult your owner’s manual or dealership for accurate information on the oil change intervals best suited for your vehicle(s). If you do not have a copy of your owner’s manual, you may be able to request an electronic copy online. Visit your manufacturer’s official website for more details.
New “Oil Life” Systems
Newer cars made over the last five years may have smarter, more sophisticated systems in place to accurately determine when your next oil change is supposed to take place. Automakers like Honda, GM, BMW, MINI, and Mercedes-Benz have started equipping their cars with high-tech service/maintenance systems that constantly monitor the “oil life” of the car. These systems look at driving speeds, cold starts, short-distance trips, and other factors that can negatively affect oil life. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
From our research so far, we’ve found that, at least, the following auto manufacturers have implemented these maintenance systems in their cars, starting from 2005:
- Acura
- BMW
- GM
- Honda
- Mercedes-Benz
- MINI
That said, the recommended oil change “number” provided by our widget is a rough estimate of how often you may need to change your oil, based on manufacturer recommendations. You should change your vehicle’s engine oil at least once a year. However, you can trust your vehicle’s maintenance system in your dashboard to tell you more accurately when you need a change. Please consult your owner’s manual, your auto manufacturer’s official website, and/or authorized dealer for more information.
Last updated: May 8, 2012