Did you know that most cars last about 200,000 miles? Most vehicles will last about 12 years, but well-maintained vehicles can reach about 300,000 miles. What’s the deciding factor between these two massive ranges?
The main factor is effective vehicle maintenance. One of the most critical parts of regular maintenance is the oil change. But how do you change your oil, and why should you bother?
If you’re curious about how to increase your vehicle’s lifespan, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about changing your oil and what the task will do. We’ll also look into the regularity of changing your oil.
What Is an Oil Change?
One of the many fluids in your engine is oil. Depending on your vehicle type, you may need a different type of oil.
The oil helps to keep your engine lubricated. The hundreds of small parts generate incredible heat while your engine runs, especially through friction. Your engine will cycle this oil over its parts continuously as it runs.
As the oil flows in and out of the engine, it becomes dirty. Dirty oil is less effective at lubricating the engine and flows slower. In severe cases, the oil may become detrimental due to an excess of dirt.
Changing your oil involves draining your engine of this dirty oil. Once this oil is removed, you fill the reservoir with clean oil.
Benefits of an Oil Change
Dirty oil isn’t only ineffective. It also can cause damage from clogging your engine and carrying foreign materials.
By changing the oil, you ensure you aren’t filling your engine with dirt and foreign particles. These hazards will grind and damage your engine over time, lowering the lifespan of your vehicle.
Not only will this increase the efficiency of your engine, but it will also make your car more fuel-efficient. The right oil can help your car burn gasoline slower, saving you money at the pump.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
When should you visit our local branch for an oil change? You should measure how long it takes you to need an oil change by miles driven rather than time elapsed. Furthermore, the duration depends on what type of oil you have.
Synthetic oils last about 6,000 miles. On average, this is every six months.
Semi-synthetic oils last about 5,000 miles, or five months. Conventional oil lasts for 3,000 miles or three months.
Some modern vehicles have information on your dashboard that will help you keep track of your oil’s lifespan. If not, you should pay close attention to your odometer. Note when you’ve traveled the above distances and consider having it changed.
As a note, it’s always better to change it too soon than too late. The longer dirty oil circulates in your engine, the more damage it will do.
Performing Vehicle Maintenance
Oil changes are a crucial part of your vehicle maintenance and can be easily completed at the average auto repair shop. Keep track of your distance traveled and proactively change your oil to keep your car running smoothly.
Interested in learning more about auto repair services? Be sure to contact us for more information.
Owen Stoller is a third-generation member of the Stoller family and serves as a Service Advisor at RNS Service in Orrville, Ohio. Carrying on a family tradition that began in 1977, Owen is committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their vehicles through honest communication, technical expertise, and a genuine commitment to their safety.
With five years of professional automotive experience, Owen has earned Master ASE Certification, including the prestigious ASE C1 Service Consultant certification. His combination of technical knowledge and customer service expertise allows him to bridge the gap between the repair shop and the vehicle owner, ensuring every customer understands their vehicle's needs and can make confident maintenance and repair decisions.
Owen earned his bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from The University of Akron, bringing a strong foundation in operations, organization, and problem-solving to the family business. He is passionate about continuous learning and regularly studies leadership to better serve both the RNS Service team and the customers who rely on them.
As the grandson of RNS Service founder Bob Stoller and the son of Jeff Stoller, Owen is proud to continue the values that have defined the business for nearly 50 years: integrity, quality workmanship, and treating every customer like family. He believes that auto repair is about more than fixing vehicles—it's about building lasting relationships based on trust and helping keep families safe on the road.
Outside the shop, Owen has been married to his wife, Carissa, for five years, and together they are raising their three children, Tucker, Wesley, and their youngest. Family life keeps him busy, whether he's hobby farming, making maple syrup, dreaming up new projects and ideas, or simply spending time with his children. Those same values of hard work, stewardship, and community continue to shape the way he serves customers every day at RNS Service.