Timing Your Oil Change: How Long is Too Long?

Not sure how long you can go without an oil change? Learn why timely oil changes matter, what happens if you don’t get one, and the signs of overdue oil.

Oil changes might not be the most exciting part of car ownership, but they are one of the most important. Regular oil maintenance helps protect your engine, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs. But let’s be honest—life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off that oil change for just a little longer.

So, how long can you go without an oil change before it starts affecting your car? And what happens if you don’t get an oil change for too long? Let’s break it down.

Why Does Your Car Need Regular Oil Changes?

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your car. It lubricates all the moving parts inside your engine, keeping them cool and reducing wear and tear. But oil gets dirty, breaks down, and loses effectiveness over time.

When that happens, your engine has to work harder, leading to more heat, friction, and potential damage. If you wait too long between oil changes, you risk serious engine trouble—something no driver wants to deal with.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

The old advice used to be every 3,000 miles, but modern engines and synthetic oils have changed the game. The right interval depends on your car and the type of oil it uses. Recommended intervals commonly look like this:

• Older vehicles: Every 3,000 miles
• Most modern vehicles: Every 5,000–7,500 miles
• Vehicles using full synthetic oil: Every 10,000 miles or more

These are general guidelines, but your owner’s manual is the best place to check.

What Affects Oil Change Frequency?

Your driving habits and environment can also impact how often you need an oil change. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Short trips & stop-and-go traffic: If you frequently drive in the city or take short trips, your oil may degrade faster.
• Extreme temperatures: Hot Texas summers or cold winter mornings can put extra strain on your engine oil.
• Towing & heavy loads: If you haul a trailer or carry heavy cargo, your engine works harder and may need more frequent oil changes.
• Off-roading & dusty roads: Dirt and debris can contaminate your oil faster, reducing its effectiveness.

What Happens If You Don’t Get an Oil Change?

Delaying your oil change can lead to some serious (and expensive) problems. Here are a few overdue oil change symptoms to watch for:

• Warning Lights: If your check engine or oil pressure light comes on, it could mean your oil is low or too dirty to do its job.
• Unusual Engine Noises: Knocking, ticking, or grinding sounds may signal that your engine isn’t getting enough lubrication.
• Lower Fuel Efficiency: Dirty oil creates extra friction, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
• Overheating & Engine Damage: In the worst cases, running on old oil can cause overheating, severe engine wear, or even complete engine failure.

Waiting too long for an oil change might seem harmless at first, but in reality, it could lead to a hefty repair bill down the road.

Don’t Wait! Get an Oil Change at Hicks Family Nissan

It’s easy to forget about an oil change, but skipping it can cost you more in the long run. At Hicks Family Nissan, we make oil changes quick, convenient, and stress-free. Our expert technicians will get you back on the road in no time, ensuring your engine stays in top shape.

Need an oil change? Schedule your service today and keep your Nissan running strong! You can also swing by while you’re out and about—oil changes are one of our Express Service tasks!