Synthetic Oil Change Interval
We’ve all seen that sticker in the corner of our car’s windshield reminding us when to get our next oil change. Usually, that’s the only indication any of us have as to when to get this vital aspect of vehicle maintenance performed.
This number can vary by model and whether your vehicle is equipped with conventional or synthetic oil. Below, we’ll specifically go over the synthetic oil change interval. This is to help make sure our neighbors in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and South Valley know when an oil change is needed for their car.
Read on to learn more about synthetic motor oil: what it is, how it can benefit your vehicle, and when it should be changed. Then, feel free to contact Land Rover Albuquerque with any questions or to schedule service.
When a Synthetic Oil Change Is Needed
For cars that use synthetic oil, you could go anywhere from 6,000 to 16,000 miles before needing an oil change. However, it’s more likely that this service would be needed between 7,500 and 10,000 miles.
The numbers vary greatly for a number of different reasons, which we’ll cover more in-depth below. No matter what, though, it’s important to keep up with this necessary maintenance. Otherwise, your engine could fail, leaving you without a working automobile.
What Oil Does for Your Car’s Engine
Now that you know what can cause your Land Rover to need a synthetic oil change, you may wonder what oil does for your vehicle in general.
Your car’s engine needs oil to lubricate all its moving parts. Oil also keeps the engine cool to offset the friction that all those moving parts create.
Over time, dirt and sludge can build up in the oil. If the oil doesn’t get changed, it can lead to serious damage with you needing to get an engine replacement.
Why Synthetic Oil Is Different
Both synthetic and conventional oils are made from crude oil. The difference is what comes next.
While conventional oil is further distilled and refined using traditional methods, synthetic oil is molecularly altered using chemical compounds. The uniform molecular size means less friction, while refinement and engineering can reduce deposits, and additives can boost protection and clean engines.
Overall, you’ll get a high-quality, top-performing product for your Land Rover.
Benefits of Synthetic Oil
Simply put, the reason synthetic oil has such a long interval between changes is that it lasts longer.
Its chemical makeup allows it to withstand the severe environment on the inside of an engine, and avoid breaking down as quickly. Since it takes longer to break down, synthetic oil is more effective at keeping your engine clean. This is because it doesn’t quickly collect the dirt and debris from inside the engine that can often develop into damaging sludge.
Another major advantage that synthetic oil has is its ability to endure in extreme conditions. You can count on synthetic oil to continue to perform—whether the temperature outside is extremely hot or extremely cold—since it’s specifically engineered to do so.
Other benefits to using synthetic oil for your automobile include:
- Fewer emissions
- Better fuel economy
- Quicker engine start time
Factors That Influence Oil Change Intervals
When determining how long to go before your next oil change, it’s important to take in some important considerations. Putting substantial amounts of demand on your vehicle’s engine can speed up the need for an oil change. Below are some key driving behaviors that can cause this to occur:
- Towing
- Driving on dusty, gravel roads
- Frequent stops and starts
- Highway speeds in extreme temperatures
Oil change intervals can also be reduced if your car is getting up there in age.
Signs You Need an Oil Change
Even though synthetic oil is designed to last a long time, there will come a time when an oil change is needed.
If you don’t remember the last time you had an oil change, there are some signs to look out for.
Dark & Dirty Oil
Clean oil is usually amber in color and somewhat translucent. It can eventually get filled with debris, which would turn the oil black or dark brown and a bit gritty.
You could always remove the oil dipstick, wipe it clean, and return it to the reservoir. Pull it out a second time and check to see if the dipstick shows through the oil. If not, then an oil change is needed.
Burning Oil Smell
If you begin to smell oil inside your Land Rover, then there could be a leak somewhere. If you then smell gas or exhaust fumes, your car could be overheating.
No matter what, you’ll want to get things checked out right away to avoid any serious damage.
Loud Knocking Noises
As we mentioned before, synthetic oil is used to lubricate an engine’s many moving parts. This is to avoid any metal-on-metal brushing and to keep the engine quiet.
If the oil is dirty, it can’t properly do its job, which would lead to the metal parts scraping against each other. That would cause the loud knocking sounds to occur, which could result in the engine breaking down.
Indicator Light
Many modern vehicles have an oil change light that pops up on the dashboard when such service is needed. For those cars that don’t have that light, the check engine light would appear.
Either way, this is a good indicator that the engine is at risk of damage from problem parts or lack of lubrication. Therefore, you’ll want to have your car looked at as soon as this light appears on the dash.
Schedule a Synthetic Oil Change Today
If you’re still wondering how often to get your oil changed, you could always consult your owner’s manual.
Otherwise, if you live near Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, or South Valley and think it may be time for a synthetic oil change, our expertly trained service technicians are happy to help.
Schedule your oil change at Land Rover Albuquerque today!