For maximum protection that will keep your car in top running condition and prolong the life of your engine, Kwik Kar recommends changing your oil every 3,000 miles or three months.

This recommendation is based on manufacturers advice for driving conditions that include: frequent short trips (less than 10 miles) especially during cold weather, stop-and-go city traffic, dusty conditions, and sustained freeway speeds especially during hot weather.

Newer engines with little or no wear can get by with 5000 mile oil changes. But as engines age and accumulate miles, blow-by increases, dumping unburned fuel into the crankcase and diluting the oil. This causes oil break down that can lead to accelerated wear and engine problems like loss of engine performance, decreased fuel economy, increased emissions and increased oil consumption.

Replacing the oil filter every time the oil is changed is also highly recommended to keep the oil as clean and debris free as possible.

The oil filter is the engine’s main defense against abrasion and premature wear caused by contaminants such as dirt, carbon and metal particles that find their way into the oil.

Regular oil and filter changes are good insurance against engine wear that will cause breakdowns. They save money in the long run especially for cars more than three or four years old. It’s very rare for a well maintained car that gets regular oil changes to develop major problems under 100,000 miles.