When it comes to car maintenance, oil changes are one of the most important tasks you can perform to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding oil changes that can mislead car owners and result in improper vehicle maintenance. These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary costs, engine damage, and even more frequent repairs.
In this post, we’ll dive into the most common oil change myths, debunk them, and provide you with the truth so you can take better care of your car’s engine and make smarter maintenance decisions.
1. “You Only Need to Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles”
This is one of the most enduring oil change myths, and it’s partially rooted in history. Many older cars required oil changes every 3,000 miles, especially when conventional motor oils were used. However, modern cars and advanced synthetic oils have made this guideline outdated.
The truth is that oil change intervals depend on various factors, including your car’s make and model, the type of oil you use, and your driving habits. Many newer vehicles with synthetic oils can go between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. In fact, some high-tech oils can even last up to 15,000 miles under optimal driving conditions.
What You Should Do: Always refer to your car's owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you’re using synthetic oil, you likely don’t need to change your oil as often as every 3,000 miles. But keep track of your driving habits, too — if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or harsh conditions, you may need to change your oil sooner.
2. “All Motor Oils Are the Same”
Not all motor oils are created equal, and this is a myth that can lead to some costly mistakes. Motor oils come in various types, grades, and formulations, and choosing the right one for your vehicle is crucial for ensuring that your engine runs smoothly.
Motor oil is classified by its viscosity (the thickness of the oil) and its performance level. For example, oils are typically rated with a number system, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, which tells you the oil’s viscosity at different temperatures. In addition to these, there are different types of motor oils, including:
Conventional oil: A basic type of oil, often cheaper, but requires more frequent changes.
Synthetic oil: Manufactured for high performance and longer-lasting lubrication.
Synthetic blend: A mix of conventional and synthetic oils, offering some of the benefits of both.
High-mileage oil: Formulated for cars with over 75,000 miles, designed to help reduce oil leaks and burn-offs.
What You Should Do: Always use the type of oil recommended in your car’s manual. Don’t just go for the cheapest option — synthetic oils, for example, offer better performance and protection, especially for high-performance or high-mileage vehicles.
3. “You Should Always Change Your Oil Based on the Date, Not the Mileage”
Another myth is that the age of your oil is more important than how many miles you've driven. While it's true that oil can degrade over time due to exposure to heat and contaminants, the number of miles you’ve driven is still the most important factor to consider.
If you haven’t driven your car much, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should change the oil based on a calendar date. For example, if you’ve only driven 2,000 miles in six months, there’s a good chance that your oil is still fine. In contrast, if you’ve driven 5,000 miles in three months, your oil may already be past its prime.
What You Should Do: Track both the mileage and the time since your last oil change. If either one hits the manufacturer's recommended intervals, it’s time to change your oil.
4. “You Don’t Need to Check Your Oil Between Changes”
Some car owners assume that as long as they keep up with regular oil changes, they don’t need to check their oil levels in between. However, this is a dangerous myth. Oil levels can drop between oil changes due to natural consumption or leaks, and low oil levels can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Also, oil quality degrades over time, even if the levels are normal. Your car's oil may be dirty or contaminated with debris, causing the engine to work harder and less efficiently.
What You Should Do: Regularly check your oil levels and quality, even if you're not due for an oil change. To check, use the dipstick in your engine — this should be done once a month or before long trips. Make sure the oil is at the right level and that it has a smooth, amber color (if it looks dark and sludgy, it’s time for a change).
5. “It Doesn’t Matter If You Use Synthetic or Conventional Oil”
There’s a misconception that synthetic and conventional oils are interchangeable, but this isn’t the case. Synthetic oil offers superior protection, especially in extreme temperatures and high-performance engines. It also lasts longer and requires fewer changes.
Conventional oil, while cheaper, doesn’t have the same level of protection and needs to be changed more frequently. Additionally, if you use the wrong oil in your engine, you could cause long-term damage.
What You Should Do: Choose the oil that’s right for your vehicle. High-performance cars, vehicles that experience extreme temperatures, or cars that frequently drive in heavy traffic are often better suited for synthetic oil. Always check your owner’s manual to know which oil is best for your car.
6. “You Can’t Switch Between Oil Types”
This myth suggests that once you start using a certain type of oil — synthetic, for example — you can never switch to another type. The reality is that it’s completely fine to switch between synthetic and conventional oils, but you should do so according to your car's needs.
Switching between oils is not harmful as long as you’re using the correct oil for your engine and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What You Should Do: Don’t be afraid to switch oil types if you believe it’s in your car’s best interest. Many car owners switch from conventional oil to synthetic when their car starts experiencing higher mileage, or if they drive in more demanding conditions.
7. “It’s Fine to Wait Until Your Oil Is Completely Black Before Changing It”
Some people believe that they should wait until their oil turns completely black before changing it. In reality, black oil doesn’t always mean it’s time for a change. While oil naturally darkens as it picks up dirt, debris, and contaminants, waiting too long to change it can lead to sludge buildup and damage to the engine.
If the oil appears excessively dark, gritty, or thick, it means the oil is not effectively lubricating the engine and may be causing wear on internal components.
What You Should Do: Don’t wait for the oil to turn black. If your oil is dark and dirty, it’s likely due for a change. Follow the manufacturer’s oil change intervals and perform regular checks.
8. “Changing Your Oil More Frequently Will Improve Engine Performance”
Changing your oil more often than the manufacturer recommends will not improve your engine’s performance. In fact, it can be wasteful and costly, not to mention unnecessary. Modern engines are designed to perform optimally with the recommended oil change intervals, and frequent oil changes could actually introduce contaminants into the engine.
Excessive oil changes can also lead to more oil waste, which is harmful to the environment.
What You Should Do: Stick to the recommended oil change schedule. If you drive in severe conditions (extreme temperatures, towing, etc.), you may need to change the oil more frequently, but for most drivers, sticking to the manufacturer’s guidelines is ideal.
9. “If You’re Low on Oil, Just Top It Off”
While topping off low oil might seem like a quick fix, it’s not always the best solution. If your oil is low, it could indicate that there’s a leak, or it may be a sign that your oil has deteriorated and is no longer providing adequate lubrication.
Simply adding more oil without addressing the underlying issue can lead to bigger problems down the road, such as engine overheating or further damage.
What You Should Do: If your oil is low, check for leaks and assess the condition of the oil. If the oil looks dirty or has a burnt smell, get it changed immediately. If the oil level keeps dropping, have your engine checked for leaks.
10. “Oil Additives Can Fix Engine Problems”
Oil additives claim to boost performance or clean the engine, but they rarely deliver on their promises. While some additives can temporarily improve oil performance, they are not a substitute for proper oil change and regular maintenance. Relying too heavily on additives can mask engine problems and lead to long-term damage.
What You Should Do: Avoid relying on oil additives as a quick fix. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil will keep your engine clean and running smoothly. If you’re experiencing engine issues, address them with proper diagnostics and repairs.
Conclusion:
Oil changes are vital for maintaining your vehicle’s health and ensuring it performs at its best. By understanding the truth behind these common oil change myths, you can make better decisions for your car’s maintenance, avoid unnecessary costs, and prolong the life of your engine.
Next time you’re due for an oil change, remember to check the type of oil that’s right for your car, track your mileage and time intervals, and always trust your car’s manufacturer recommendations. Keep your car in top condition by embracing the facts, not the myths.