The Role of Engine Oil

Think of oil as your engine’s lifeblood. It:

• Lubricates moving parts so they don’t grind against each other.

• Cleans out dirt, dust, and tiny metal particles.

• Cools hot engine components so nothing overheats.

• Protects against rust and corrosion.

Even the best synthetic oils break down over time from heat, friction, and contamination.

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Why Older Cars (10+ Years) Need Oil Changes Every ~3,000 Miles

Engines in older vehicles aren’t as tight or efficient as newer ones. They:

• Burn a little more fuel and oil.

• Let more dirt and combustion byproducts slip past seals and gaskets.

• Often have higher mileage, meaning more wear inside the engine.

That extra contamination means the oil gets dirty faster, so keeping it fresh every 3,000 miles is the safest way to keep older engines healthy.

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Why Newer Cars Can Stretch to ~4,000 Miles

Modern engines are built with tighter tolerances and advanced technology. They:

• Run cleaner with better emissions systems.

• Use improved materials and designs that reduce oil contamination.

• Pair better with full synthetic oils, which resist breakdown longer.

That’s why most newer vehicles can safely go about 4,000 miles between oil changes — even on synthetic. But beyond that, you’re pushing your luck.

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Why Not 7,500 or 10,000 Miles Like Some Ads Claim?

Oil companies and automakers often advertise extended oil change intervals. But here’s the catch:

• Those numbers are usually tested in perfect conditions (ideal weather, flat highways, steady speeds).

• Real-life driving — stop-and-go traffic, short trips, towing, extreme heat or cold — breaks oil down much faster.

• Waiting too long can lead to expensive problems like clogged oil passages, worn bearings, or even complete engine failure.

Simply put: an extra $40–60 for timely oil changes is a lot cheaper than a $4,000 engine replacement.

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The Bottom Line

• Older vehicles (10+ years): Change oil every ~3,000 miles.

• Newer vehicles: Change oil every ~4,000 miles.

• Synthetic oil is great — but it’s not magic.

At Bostaph Automotive, we believe in protecting your investment, not gambling with it. Keeping up with oil changes is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your vehicle last longer and run better.