How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil?

Whether you’re driving a new Toyota or another type of vehicle in Huntsville, AL, it requires a full reservoir of clean engine oil to operate at peak performance. Eventually, engine oil gets dirty and needs to be replaced. How often should you change your oil? The most commonly recommended oil change frequency is 7,500–10,000 miles. Most car owners can follow that recommendation, but it’s always best to follow what the owner’s manual says. We’ve prepared a Toyota recommended service & maintenance schedule for most if not all interval-based services & maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about when to change your car’s oil with the Landers McLarty Toyota service team!

How Will I Know the Oil Change Frequency for My Car?

The general oil change schedule of 7,500–10,000 miles may not apply to some Hazel Green, AL drivers. If you own a performance vehicle, for example, your owner’s manual might give a very different recommendation. Or, if you drive an average car, truck, or SUV but you use it for any of the following activities, you might have to stick with a higher oil change frequency:

• Off-road driving
• High-mileage commercial driving 
• Towing and hauling heavy items 
• Racing

Our service advisors at Landers McLarty Toyota would be glad to help you determine how often you should change your oil if your vehicle type or driving habits deviate from the average car owner. You can fill out a service contact form any time to get started!

More Engine Oil Tips 

Here are some additional tips you may find useful when planning your vehicle’s oil maintenance schedule:

• You will need to know whether your car uses conventional oil or synthetic oil. This information will be in the owner’s manual. Synthetic oil costs more, but some drivers choose it because it tends to last longer or their vehicle requires it. 
• If it’s left to sit long enough, engine oil can start to break down. This is why it’s still important to get routine oil changes even if you don’t drive your car every day. 
• Your engine has an oil filter that should be changed during every oil change. Doing your oil change at home? You can find the proper type of oil filter for your vehicle at our parts center. 

When to Check the Oil Level

In addition to changing the oil, checking the oil level should be part of your routine engine maintenance. You can check the oil level once per month to keep an eye on potential oil leaks or changes in the oil’s condition and color. If there is a leak or the oil seems dirty, you’ll know that there’s an issue that needs to be fixed.

Schedule a Service Visit at Landers McLarty Toyota

If you need an oil change or you think you have an oil leak, schedule a service appointment at Landers McLarty Toyota. We’re conveniently located in Fayetteville, not far from Madison, AL, and you will always find a helpful selection of service specials available that can help keep your maintenance costs low!