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Your car's engine is a collection of hot, metal components moving rapidly in close proximity to each other. To dissipate the heat and prevent damage from friction, the engine needs a high-quality lubricant in the form of engine oil. However, engine oil breaks down over time and must be replaced. Dee's Auto Care Specialists, the auto repair and preventative maintenance experts in La Crosse, WI, explain below how often you should schedule oil changes to keep your car operating well.

How Often Should You Change the Engine Oil?

Normal Driving Conditions

Most car manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for vehicles driven under normal conditions. If you have a daily commute of 15 miles or more that involves a mixture of city and highway driving, and if you do not put unusual strain on the engine, this likely qualifies as "normal conditions." Have your auto repair technician change the oil, check the levels of other fluids, and inspect hoses, belts, and tires for wear and tear.

Rough Conditions

Oil changesRough driving conditions are those that put excess strain on your engine and require more frequent oil changes. For instance, if you regularly drive in extremely hot, cold, or dusty environments, you should be more diligent about changing the oil. Other types of rough driving include frequent short trips, daily traffic jams, or towing a trailer. If any of these are a regular part of your daily drive, replace the oil every three months or 3,000 miles to make up for the additional wear and tear on the engine. Also, once your vehicle reaches 100,000 miles on the odometer, you should adhere to this more frequent schedule.

Regular oil changes are one of the best ways to keep your car on the road and running smoothly for as long as possible. For expert service, contact Dee's Auto Care Specialists in La Crosse, WI, with additional locations in Winona, MN, and Onalaska, WI. They specialize in effective preventative maintenance and reliable auto repair at an affordable rate. Visit their website to take advantage of valuable, money-saving coupons or call (608) 782-2530 to schedule service.

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