How often should I change my oil?
Follow your car's oil life monitor or the interval in the owner's manual, which for most modern cars on synthetic oil is somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, and at least once a year. The old 3,000-mile rule is outdated for most cars. Change it sooner if you mostly make short trips, sit in stop-and-go traffic, tow, or drive a turbocharged engine that the manual says needs it.
Why intervals vary so much
Oil life depends on how the car is driven, not just how far. An engine that warms up fully on a highway drive is easy on its oil. An engine making two-mile trips around San Mateo, never fully warming up, collects moisture and fuel in the oil and breaks it down faster.
That's why many modern cars use an oil life monitor that calculates remaining oil life from engine temperature, revs, trip length and time, instead of a fixed mileage.
Typical intervals
| Situation | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Modern car, synthetic oil, mostly highway | Oil life monitor, often 7,500–10,000 miles |
| Modern car, mostly short trips or traffic | Sooner; follow the monitor or severe schedule |
| Turbocharged engines | Per manual; many are shorter |
| Older cars without a monitor | Manual's interval, often 3,000–5,000 miles |
| Low annual mileage | At least once a year |
Check the level between changes
Many engines use some oil between changes, which is normal within the manufacturer's limits. Check the dipstick every few fill-ups. Running low is harder on an engine than stretching an interval.
What we do at an oil service
The right oil and filter for your engine, a look at the underside for leaks, tire pressures, fluid levels, and a quick inspection of brakes, belts and hoses. If we spot something, you'll get a photo, and an honest read on whether it can wait.
From drivers who came to us
I took my car in for an oil service and some specific inspections. Upon completion, they provided me with more feedback than I was expecting… The information they were able to provide made me feel taken care of.
Bringing in my car here for an oil change was a great idea… They made sure everything else with my car checked without me even asking.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Is the 3,000-mile oil change still necessary?
For most cars built in the last 20 years, no. Modern oils and engines are designed for longer intervals. Some older engines and specific driving conditions still call for shorter ones.
What's "severe service"?
Most manuals define it as frequent short trips, extended idling, stop-and-go traffic, towing, dusty roads or extreme temperatures. Many Peninsula commutes on 101 and 280 at rush hour qualify.
Does it matter which oil I use?
Yes. Use the viscosity (like 0W-20) and specification (like API SP or a manufacturer approval) your manual lists. The right oil matters more than the brand.
What if I barely drive?
Change it at least once a year even if the mileage is low. Oil ages and absorbs moisture, especially on short trips that never fully warm the engine.