How Often Should You Get Your BMW’s Oil Changed?

Gone are the days when changing your motor oil every 3,000 miles was the rule of thumb. Modern synthetic oil typically has a much longer lifespan of 7,500 to 10,000, although the ideal interval varies from driver to driver and depends on a number of factors. Read on to calculate how frequently you should visit your local BMW dealership for an oil change. 

How Often Should You Get Your BMW’s Oil Changed?

More Miles Means Faster Deterioration 

These days, the majority of drivers have their oil refreshed about twice a year. However, it’s important to consider how many miles you drive. Most drivers travel about 14,000 miles a year on average. If you drive much more than this, consider changing your oil three or four times a year, and if you drive less, once a year might suffice.

Consider Your Usual Driving Conditions

When it comes to motor oil, not all driving habits and conditions are equal. Oil degrades when dust, dirt, sand, salt, metal fragments, and other particles get into the engine, thickening the oil. Therefore, if you frequently take your BMW on drives down rougher, dustier, dirtier roads, you’ll need to change your oil more often.

Long highway drives are easier on a car’s engine and oil than short drives of under five miles, where the oil doesn’t have time to warm up and lubricate properly. So if you’re always using your BMW for short trips to the local grocery store and back, your motor oil might be under more pressure. Towing trailers, driving at slow speeds, and extreme temperatures also influence how rapidly oil wears down. 

Ask for Guidance at Your Local BMW Dealership

Our seasoned technicians can discuss your usual driving conditions and help calculate the optimal interval for refreshing your oil. With decades of experience with BMW vehicles, they can also ensure that you’re using the correct oil and servicing schedule for your particular model. 

Watch Out for Signs of Degrading Motor Oil

You can visually inspect your oil at any time to ascertain whether or not it needs to be refreshed. If your oil is low, have it topped up at once. If it’s dirty and filled with contaminants, you may need to change it. 

Neglecting to change your oil on time may lead to symptoms of engine trouble including a burning smell, strange vibrations, smoke from the exhaust, and reduced engine power. The check engine light will also appear on your dashboard. Always respond quickly to symptoms of deteriorating motor oil; otherwise, you may soon face an expensive repair job or even a completely seized-up engine. 

Visit Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL, to have your oil refreshed today by courteous, qualified professionals. We’ve been diligently helping out the region’s BMW drivers since 1980 with exceptional vehicles, maintenance services, and customer care. 

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