If you recently purchased a new car, the dealership may have confidently recommended that you can now go 10,000 miles between oil changes. Modern engines and synthetic oils have improved over the years, and for many vehicles, it’s possible to go 10,000 miles without an oil change. But before you push that odometer too far, it’s important to dig into why this recommendation probably isn’t in the best interest of your vehicle’s long-term health.

In this article, we’ll explain why sticking with shorter oil change intervals—closer to 5,000-7,500 miles—can be a smarter strategy for keeping your car on the road for years to come.

1. Modern Oil Isn’t Magic: It Degrades Over Time

Synthetic oil is an incredible innovation, offering better heat resistance and a longer lifespan than conventional oil. That doesn’t mean it lasts forever. Even the best synthetic oils degrade over time due to thermal breakdown and contamination.

So what does that mean?

• Thermal Breakdown: Engines generate a lot of heat, and while synthetic oils withstand higher temperatures, they eventually begin to break down. This deterioration reduces their ability to lubricate effectively, increasing friction and wear on engine components.
• Contamination: As your engine runs, the oil becomes contaminated with soot, metal particles, and fuel. These contaminants reduce the oil’s ability to protect and clean your engine, leading to a gradual sludge and varnish buildup.

By waiting 10,000 miles, you’re asking even the best synthetic oils to operate at the limits of their effectiveness, especially under less-than-ideal driving conditions.

2. Driving Habits and Conditions Play a Huge Role

The 10,000-mile recommendation assumes ideal driving conditions—think smooth highway cruising at steady speeds. But we live in Austin, primarily a mix of stop-and-go traffic, short trips, and fluctuating weather, all of which strain the oil and engine.

• Stop and Go Traffic: When you’re constantly going from gas to brake, you’re causing a lot of wear and tear to your engine. That translates to diluted, contaminated oil that you’ll need to change more frequently.
• Short Trips: If short car trips dominate your driving life, your engine doesn’t have time to warm up thoroughly. This can cause condensation and fuel to mix with the oil, reducing its protective qualities.
• Extreme Temperatures: Both scorching heat and freezing cold can affect oil performance. In high heat, oil can oxidize more quickly, while in cold temperatures, it thickens, making it more difficult for the oil to circulate and protect vital components.

Dealerships rarely consider these variables when recommending oil change intervals. They’ll present you with the best-case scenario and leave the decision of when to change the oil up to you.

3. Manufacturer Recommendations vs. Dealer Advice

The dealership’s suggestion of a 10,000-mile oil change interval may align with the manufacturer’s guidelines. That’s because manufacturers often set extended oil change intervals to make their cars seem lower-maintenance. Since dealers and manufacturers focus on attracting buyers, it’s no surprise that salespeople will present you with these optimistic estimates. The motivation is sales rather than the longevity of your car.

The key is in the fine print of your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Many manufacturers recommend shorter intervals under “severe driving conditions,” which, as we covered earlier, include many more scenarios than most people realize. In fact, those “severe driving conditions” are pretty typical. If you want your car to last well beyond its warranty period, err on the side of caution and stick to these shorter intervals when planning your oil changes.

4. Neglecting Oil Changes Can Void Your Warranty and Lower Resale Value

Not only can putting off oil changes damage your vehicle, it can also void your warranty. Most new cars come with a powertrain warranty that covers expensive repairs, but only if the vehicle is maintained correctly.

If you ever need to file a warranty claim, the chances of it being denied are significantly higher if you can’t prove you’ve performed timely oil changes. Committing to regular, shorter oil change intervals ensures that your maintenance history is solid, which can save you money.

If you plan on selling your car, remember that a well-maintained vehicle fetches a higher resale price or trade-in value. Buyers and dealers alike value cars with comprehensive maintenance records. Not being able to show that you’ve done basic maintenance will raise red flags with potential buyers.

5. The Cost of an Oil Change vs. Engine Repairs

Speaking of your wallet, that 10,000 mile oil change interval might sound pretty good. However, the expense of regular oil changes pales compared to the cost of engine repairs. Failing to change your oil regularly increases the risk of:

• Sludge Buildup: Old oil thickens and becomes sludge, which can block vital passages and starve your engine of lubrication.
• Accelerated Wear: Without clean oil, metal-on-metal contact within the engine increases, leading to premature wear and potential component failure.
• Complete Engine Failure: Neglecting oil changes for too long can cause catastrophic engine damage, requiring thousands of dollars in repairs or even a complete engine replacement.

By comparison, planning to spend around $100 every 5,000 miles for an oil change seems a small price to pay for peace of mind.

6. Oil Monitoring Systems Aren’t Foolproof

Many newer cars are equipped with oil life monitoring systems that calculate when you need an oil change based on factors like mileage, engine hours, and driving habits. While these systems are helpful, they aren’t perfect.

Oil monitors don’t directly measure oil quality; they rely on algorithms and sensors to estimate when an oil change is due. If you drive in severe conditions (and remember how manufacturers tend to define “severe”) the system doesn’t adequately account for, it might suggest waiting too long between changes. Trusting your instincts and adhering to more conservative intervals is a safer bet.

7. High Mileage Vehicles Need More Attention

Regular oil changes are critical if you plan to keep your car well past 100,000 miles. Older engines can produce more blow-by gases and wear particles, which can contaminate oil faster. Sticking to shorter oil change intervals helps mitigate these effects, so your engine will run smoothly for longer.

Also, older engines tend to consume more oil, so monitoring oil levels between changes becomes even more critical. Going too long between oil changes leave your engine dangerously low on oil. Not surprisingly, running your engine without adequate oil can lead to all kinds of problems.

8. Oil Changes Can Reveal Other Issues

When you bring your car in for an oil change, it’s an opportunity for a trained technician to inspect other vital components. Regular oil changes often come with inspections of:

• Air filters
• Belts and hoses
• Fluids like coolant and brake fluid
• Tires and brakes

While your car might go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, issues could occur in other systems. Routine check-ups help catch potential problems early, saving you from expensive, unexpected repairs down the road. Skipping oil changes or stretching intervals means missing out on these routine inspections.

Wrapping Up

While 10,000-mile oil change intervals might be acceptable in ideal conditions, most drivers face realities that demand more frequent maintenance. By sticking with oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles, you’re investing in the long-term health of your engine and avoiding costly repairs down the road. Make an appointment today to keep your vehicle running at its best.