An oil change is one of the most frequent services you’ll have to get done. According to Kelley Blue Book, cars with engines using conventional motor oil should get an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, while engines using synthetic oil can get oil changes every 10,000 miles.

That is just general advice. By reading your owner's manual, you can check the specific recommendations for oil changes and other maintenance for your particular car by reading your owner’s manual. If you have lost your manual, find your car manual online. Many newer cars also have a variety of maintenance reminders built into the car’s displays to remind you in real time when you need service.

Because you know you’ll need regular oil changes, finding an oil change near you makes sense before you hit that mileage milestone or your oil change light starts blinking. Take the time to research early, so you don’t make a hasty decision when you need service.

One option for getting an oil change is an auto shop that’s part of a national chain. You can also take care of other maintenance work at these shops, so if there is one near you, it makes sense to check it out. See if any of your friends or family have used the location near you and what their experiences were. Also, check BBB.org for reviews and complaints. You can also do an internet search looking for reviews.

You can also look for independent mechanics and auto shops to get the necessary work done on your car. Take the same steps (checking with friends and family, reading reviews/complaints on BBB.org, searching for feedback on the internet) to compare different options and find a mechanic you trust.

 

For more information

Learn more about auto repair near you.

Learn more about new car dealers and used car dealers near you.

Check out BBB's auto resources and tips.

Read BBB's tips for buying a new car, buying a car online, and buying a used car.