All cars consume a little oil, and it's a mistake to rely on warning lights alone. Checking your oil is a simple car maintenance task everybody can perform.
While some cars consume hardly any engine oil, others can burn off or drip plenty. That's why it makes sense to check your oil level frequently between oil changes, as running with a low oil level increases stress on the engine and can seriously reduce the working life of the oil and the engine.
Some modern cars have an electronic oil sensor that warns you when your motor oil is approaching the minimum safe level. But whether your car has one or not, it's good practice to check your engine oil level manually on a regular basis, especially if you're planning a road trip. After all, sensors and dash lights can both fail without you knowing about it.
Oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health. They remove old, contaminated oil and replace it with fresh oil that can properly lubricate and protect the engine's components. Traditionally, it was recommended to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. However, modern technology and advanced synthetic oils are changing the game. In certain conditions, extended oil change intervals (also known as extended drain intervals) are possible, potentially reaching 15,000, 20,000, or even 25,000 miles with the right synthetic oil.
Want to learn more about extended oil change intervals? Read our article, "Castrol Extended Oil Change Interval Mythbusters," to debunk common myths and discover if extended intervals are right for you.
The ideal oil change interval depends on several factors, including your driving habits, vehicle age, and engine type. "Severe driving conditions," such as frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing, and extreme temperatures, can shorten oil life. Always consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. You might also consider oil analysis to monitor the condition of your oil and determine the optimal oil change interval for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.
Naturally, it's essential to change your engine oil at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. But how often should you check your oil level?
In the days before oil level sensors, many drivers checked their oil at the dipstick at least once a week.
Unless you're running an older car or an American classic, that may not be necessary these days. Having said that, it's worth remembering that your motor oil is no less important than any other engine component.
Even if you're driving a brand new muscle car or highly engineered European model, environmental factors such as fuel quality, extreme temperatures or stop-and-go driving can increase the amount of oil your engine uses.
So here at Castrol, most of our people pop the hood and check their oil level at least every couple of weeks, and always right before a long trip. It only takes a minute to check and top off if necessary, and it might add years of reliable, powerful and economical driving to the life of your engine.