Regular oil changes are among the most important routine maintenance you can perform for your car. How often you should have your oil changed is partially dependent on how much you drive. Most vehicle owners should get two oil changes per year, but frequent drivers may need more. It’s generally recommended to schedule an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first.

Having your oil changed regularly has many benefits for your vehicle. The one you’ll notice most readily is that a car with fresh oil will get better gas mileage on the road. Regular oil changes are also good for your engine, helping it to operate at peak performance. Plus, oil changes reduce the risk of your engine overheating or corroding, which can be very expensive to fix.

In addition to scheduling regular oil changes for your car or truck, you should also have the oil filter changed on a regular basis. Oil filters play a vital role in your engine by keeping debris out to prevent engine damage. While oil filters tend to last slightly longer than the oil itself, some mechanics still recommend changing out your oil filter along with the oil. Others believe that it’s fine to only have your oil filter replaced with every other oil change, roughly once per year.

Do you need an oil change or an oil filter replacement for your vehicle? Schedule an appointment at a trusted local auto maintenance shop in the West Minneapolis metro.