Jul 2, 2021

You need an Acura oil change every 5,000 miles. The average American drives around 15,000 times per year, so this every 5,000 miles rule boils down to an oil change at least three times per year. There are factors that can sway the frequency of your oil change, though, and sometimes you need a change sooner than expected.

4 Factors That Impact How Often You Need an Acura Oil Change

1. Your Driving Circumstances

What do you do while driving? Do you tow, or do you go off-roading often? Do you live in an area dominated by steep hills? All of these things are stressful for your vehicle, so you’ll need an oil change more often. Talk to your technician, as the technician will be able to provide personalized advice based on your driving habits and circumstances.

2. Your Vehicle’s Age

If you have an older Acura, then you’ll need an oil change more frequently. Your manual will have guidelines that are specific to your Acura, so be sure to check that out. You can also ask your technician for advice.

3. Your Vehicle’s Model

Your manual also has advice that’s specific to your vehicle’s model, so check that out. Every vehicle model is different, so you might need an oil change more or less often than most Acura models.

4. How Little You Drive

Although the average person will need an oil change three times a year or more, you’ll need an oil change slightly less frequently if you don’t drive often. This might sound self-explanatory, but hear us out—infrequent drivers still need an oil change every 6 months.

You may not reach 5,000 in six months, but you should get an oil change anyway. Oil gets old and deteriorates, so your oil won’t be in the best condition after six months. If you try to drive with old oil in your vehicle, then you’re going to experience the issues that we’ll discuss next.

3 Signs That You Need To Change Your Oil Now

1. Dark Exhaust Fumes

If your exhaust fumes are dark, then you most likely need an oil change. Dark exhaust fumes can also indicate a cracked gasket, so it’s worth getting your overall vehicle checked out.

2. Loud Engine

Oil lubricates your engine, but when it’s thin or gritty, then it can’t lubricate the engine’s parts correctly. Unlubricated parts get louder, and they grind together, too. Your engine’s parts grinding together can cause damage to the engine, so please get your oil changed regularly.

3. You Have a Leak

If you spring an oil leak, then you know that our vehicle needs an immediate repair and oil change. You’ll notice a leak if your vehicle’s oil level is rapidly dropping. You might also notice that there’s a pool of oil near your vehicle. Don’t delay. Go and get an oil change as soon as possible.

 

Come to Buerkle Acura to get your oil change. We’ll make sure to provide you with our best services, and we’ll perform any additional maintenance that you need. Let us know what you need by calling our service department at 1-763-424-4545.