How Often Should You Really Change Your Oil?

The '3,000-mile' rule is mostly a myth now, but severe city driving changes the math. Here's how to find your real interval.

Ask five people how often to change your oil and you'll get five answers. The honest one is: it depends on your oil, your engine, and how you drive. Here's how to figure out your real interval.

Synthetic vs. conventional

Full synthetic oil is more stable and lasts longer, most modern engines running it can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, and some manufacturers spec even longer. Conventional oil breaks down faster and is closer to a 3,000–5,000 mile interval. Many newer engines require synthetic, especially turbocharged ones, so the choice may already be made for you.

The old 3,000-mile rule

That rule dates from the era of conventional oil and simpler engines. With today's synthetics it's usually overkill, but the quick-lube industry loves it. We won't tell you to come in twice as often as you need to.

Why DC-area driving is "severe"

Here's the catch: your owner's manual has a "severe service" schedule, and a lot of Arlington driving qualifies. Short trips that never fully warm the engine, stop-and-go traffic on 66 and 395, extended idling, and hot humid summers all shorten oil life. If that's your commute, lean toward the shorter end of the interval.

Signs you're overdue

Oil-life monitor at or near 0%
Oil on the dipstick looks black and gritty
A faint ticking on cold start-up
It's simply been too long or too many miles

The simplest approach: change it on your manufacturer's schedule with the right oil, and let us log your mileage so the next one's on time. An oil change is cheap; an engine isn't. Call TAB Motors at (703) 243-3080.

Good to know before you come in

Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome, especially for state inspections, oil changes and tires. For bigger repairs, calling ahead at (703) 243-3080 means we'll have the right parts and time set aside.

Do you do Virginia state inspection and emissions here?

Yes, we're an official Virginia inspection and emissions station right on Langston Blvd in Arlington. We can do both in one visit.

What kinds of vehicles do you work on?

All makes, foreign and domestic, from everyday commuters to European luxury cars. One of our technicians is a master on BMWs.

Are you really AAA Approved?

Yes. TAB Motors is a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, which means we meet AAA's standards for training, equipment and customer satisfaction.

Is it true there's free air and free coffee?

Yes, free air for your tires and free coffee while you wait. It's the little stuff our customers mention in their reviews.

How do you price repairs?

You get an honest, upfront price before any work starts. We show you what's wrong, explain what's urgent versus what can wait, and never pressure you into extras.