For decades, drivers were told to change their oil every 3,000 miles. For most cars built in the last 10-15 years, that is no longer accurate — and following it too closely just means spending more than you need to.
What actually determines the interval
Modern engines and oil formulations have extended most manufacturer-recommended intervals to 5,000-7,500 miles for conventional oil, and up to 10,000 miles for full synthetic, depending on the vehicle.
Your driving habits matter
If you do a lot of short trips, stop-and-go city driving, or tow frequently, you fall into a "severe service" category that calls for more frequent changes — closer to the shorter end of your manufacturer's range.
Trust your owner's manual first
The most reliable number is the one in your vehicle's manual, not a generic rule of thumb. If you are not sure which interval applies to your car, we are happy to check it for you.
Every oil change at Royal Auto Service includes a free multi-point inspection, so we can flag anything else worth knowing about while your car is already up on the lift.