This is why it's outdated to follow the 3,000-mile oil change rule and what you need to do instead
Published on Nov 07, 2025 at 5:47 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Nov 07, 2025 at 5:47 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
Believe it or not, it is actually outdated to follow the 3,000-mile oil change rule, and you should be doing something else instead.
For decades, one of the golden rules for looking after our car engines has been to change the oil around 3,000 miles at a time.
Many of us believed this really looked after the engine, but actually, it turns out that information is pretty outdated.
Much of this is down to how cars have evolved over the years, and how oil has also developed to work with more modern engines.
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How often do you need to do an oil change?
Modern car engines use lighter-weight oils now, and these are much more durable.
Oil has developed so much that an oil change every 7,500 miles is usually considered the norm.
Thanks to synthetic oils, you may even get up to 15,000 miles out of it before needing to change it.
The 3,000-mile rule is a legacy of older engines when technology wasn’t quite as advanced.
Wider tolerances, plus leaky seals, could lead to more oil being burned, hence the need for quicker changes.
But there is also a cost factor.
A lot of rapid oil change shops are eager to cash in on frequent changes.
Experts say to ‘listen to your car’
Industry experts have said the money trail is hard to ignore.
While frequent oil changes won’t do any damage to the car, it will to your bank balance.
So when should you change the oil in your vehicle?
Well, owner’s manuals often provide the best answer to that.
Many modern cars also flash a warning on the dashboard when it’s time to do an oil change.
Rather than guessing when to change it, use what the car and manufacturer have provided to work out the best time.
Follow all of this, and you really can’t go wrong.
Plus, not changing the oil so frequently will also ensure you save some cash in the process.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
