Q. How often should I really change my oil?

 This used to be a simple question and the standard response was every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever came first. However today, the answer is not as cut and dry. If you are using regular oil the answer has not changed, you should change your oil about every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If on the other hand you are using a synthetic oil, the change interval may be considerable longer. Synthetic oils often have change intervals of 5,000 miles or even more in some cases. You really need to check your owners manual and go by what your car's manufacturer recommends. It is important that you not exceed the recommended change interval for your vehicle as some manufactures have voided warrantees in certain instances where customers have not properly followed their guidelines. Edmonds.com provide the following list of links to online manuals. It was updated by them as of 10-01-2013 so some of these links may not be active. If not check your vehicle manufacture's website.

 

  Vehicle Owners Manual links

    • Acura              1990-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Audi                Paper owner's manual are avaialbe for purchase

 

    • BMW               2004-current models (No login needed)

 

    • Buick              1993-current models (No login needed)

 

    • Cadillac          1993-current models (No login needed)

 

    • Chevrolet       1993-current models (No login needed)

 

    • Chrysler         2004-current models can be downloaded (No logn needed) Paper versions of model year 1981-current are avialable for purchase.

 

    • Daewoo         1999-2002 models. Purchase owner's manual from "Order Accessories" link.

 

    • Dodge            2004-current models can be downloaded (No logn needed) Paper versions of model year 1981-current are avialable for purchase.

 

    • Fiat                2012-current models can be downloaded. Applies to North American built models only. (No login needed.)

 

    • Ford               1996-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Geo               1993-2000 models. (No login needed.) Geo models are listed inder Chevrolet make.

 

    • GMC             1993-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Honda           1990-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Hummer        2003-2011 (No login needed.)

 

    • Hyundai        2003-current models. (Login and VIN required.)

 

    • Infiniti            2009-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Isuzu             Isuzu Web site directs you to Helms Inc. for manual.

 

    • Jaguar          1995-current models. More technical information than an actual owner's manual. Registration required.

 

    • Jeep             2004-current models can be downloaded. (No login needed.) Paper versions of model year1981-current are available for purcase.

 

    • Kia                2005-current models. Registration required.

 

    • Land Rover  1992-current models. More technical information than an actual owner's manual. Registration required.

 

    • Lexus           1990-current models. Each chapter of the owner's manual is a separate downloadable document. (No login needeg.)

 

    • Lincoln         1996-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Mazda          2000-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Mercedea     2000-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Mercury        1996-2011 Models. (No Login Needed.)

 

    • Mini              2002-current models. Must register with the owner's lounge to obtain owner's manual. VIN is required.

 

    • Mitsubishi     2002-current models. Warranty and maintenance manuals only. Registration required.
    • Nissan          2009-current models.

 

    • Oldsmobile  1993-2004 models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Pontiac        1993-2010 models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Porsche       2011-current models

 

    • Ram             2004-current models can be downloaded. (No login needed.) Paper versions of model year 1981-current are available for purchase.

 

    • Saab            1989-2009. Paper manuals available through Helm.

 

    • Saturn          1993-2010 models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Scion            Quick reference guides, not complete owner's manuals, for 2004-current models. Owner's manuals for audio and navigation components are also available as downloads.

 

    • Smart           2008-current models. (No login needed.)

 

    • Subaru         2000-current models. (No login needed.)
    • Suzuki          Paper and downloadable owner's manuals are available for purchase.

 

    • Toyota          1996-current models. (No login needed.) Each chapter of the owner's manual is a separate downloadable document. How-to videos are also available.

 

    • Volkswagen  Paper owner's manuals are available for purchase.

 

    • Volvo            1970-current models. (No login needed.) Also includes other materials, such as maintenance schedule and warrantee Manual