All gasolines are blended with anti-rust and detergent additives that help resist corrosion and keep your fuel system clean. It is important to determine which schedule applies to your type of driving because the difference between the two maintenance schedules is significant. For example, under severe service conditions engine oil changes are recommended at 3,000 mile or three-month intervals, whichever come first. Under normal conditions oil changes are recommended either annually or at 7,500 mile intervals. Short average trip-length is the most frequent reason why drivers need to consider more frequent car maintenance.
Short trips cause car engines to repeatedly warm and cool off.
This thermal cycling is responsible for extra wear and tear. Then, during those two weeks, keep track of how many times you start your car's engine. An average trip-length of less than 8 miles indicates the need for following the severe service, more frequent oil change interval recommendations for your car. If you own more than one car, be sure you calculate each car's average trip-length separately. Remember that frequent oil changes make long, trouble-free engine life a reality.