For a long time, the general suggestion was that vehicles should not go more than 3,000 miles without an oil change. But, as vehicle technology/manufacturing and oil technology have improved over the years, engines can often now go longer than that before the oil becomes too dirty and can no longer perform its job effectively.
A typical vehicle on the road today can usually go anywhere from 5,000 miles to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change service. However, many vehicles that use full synthetic engine oil won’t need an oil change until every 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles.
If you are frequently towing heavy loads or constantly driving in stop-and-go traffic, you’ll likely need to reduce the intervals between oil changes. The specific type of engine, local climate, and the quality of the engine’s fuel management system all impact a vehicle’s recommended oil change interval as well.
Keep in mind that most modern cars have a built-in, computerized oil life monitor. So, check and see if your vehicle does. This feature monitors the number of vehicle startups, what temperature the vehicle was started at, how long the engine idles, etc. All of this information is factored in and the vehicle will alert you when it is time for an oil change. This takes the guesswork out of how long your vehicle can go before the next oil change.
If you do not have routine oil changes done as recommended, the engine oil will eventually become a thick, tar-like sludge. This will clog up engine components and can even lead to your engine totally seizing up, which would mean a very expensive replacement.