How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Auto Mechanic Checking Oil

Keeping your vehicle healthy requires regular oil changes, but how often should you change your oil to achieve optimal vehicle health? Experts previously recommended oil changes every 3,000 miles, but things have changed.

Given advancements in engine technology and the oil they use, most new vehicles today can last 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, it all depends on your specific vehicle, so check your owner’s manual for more specific guidelines on oil change frequency. Learn more about keeping your car in top shape around Normal with Sam Leman Ford.

Oil Change Frequency

An oil change frequency of 7,000 miles to 10,000 miles is quite broad, and it’s definitely just a frame of reference. Certain vehicles will need an oil change sooner. If any of the following apply to you, check with Sam Leman Ford for advice on how soon you will need to bring your vehicle to our Service Center:

Oil Pouring Into Engine

Additional Oil Change Tips

Before scheduling service with Sam Leman Ford near Decatur, consider these oil change facts and tips, and always feel free to contact our Service Center with questions.

  • Get an oil change at least twice a year, even if you don’t drive around Champaign all that much. Oil breaks down over time regardless of whether the car is used often or not.
  • Get an oil filter replacement with each oil change. If you change your own oil at home, check out the Parts Department at Sam Leman Ford.
  • Consult your owner’s manual to determine whether to use synthetic oil, a synthetic blend oil, or conventional oil. Synthetic oil typically costs more, but some cars require it.

How Often Should I Check My Oil Level?

Try to check your oil level once a month so that you can catch any potential problems before they become major issues, such as leaks or low oil. That’s because without oil, your vehicle may become seriously damaged. When you conduct your checks, pay attention to changes in color and whether there are any metal particles in the oil, as these are signs of serious trouble, too. Get in touch with Sam Leman Ford if you notice anything off.

Schedule Your Oil Changes at Sam Leman Ford!

Check out the service specials available for Champaign-area drivers when you schedule your oil changes at Sam Leman Ford! We are here to help with any service questions you may have, such as:

You can rely on our Ford service experts to keep your vehicle running smooth and safe on Bloomington roads, so come see us today!

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Ford Employees and Retirees - Get four $50 instant service discounts to use or share.*

Eligible Services Include: The Works® Package, Tires, Brakes, Batteries, and More!

*Active U.S. Ford Employees and Retirees only. Generate up to 4 PINs at FordServiceDiscount.com from 4/15/26-9/7/26 for personal use or to share. Limit 1 PIN per VIN. Receive a $50 instant discount on eligible maintenance services with a minimum $100 customer-pay repair order. Eligible services include oil changes, The Works®, brakes, batteries, tires, wipers, and filters. Requires purchase and installation of genuine Ford/Motorcraft® Parts or select name-brand tires. Valid only on Ford and Lincoln vehicles at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present PIN at write-up; prior authorization required. PINs expire 60 days after generation. See Service Advisor for full details through 9/7/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane®, Motorcraft®, and The Works® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 09/07/2026

Earn and redeem Points on Ford Service with Ford Rewards.*

Ford Rewards members can redeem Points for service and earn 10 Points per $1 spent on eligible Ford Service.**
Join and activate Ford Rewards by downloading the Ford app or visiting FordRewards.com.

*To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Limitations apply. Earn Points for the purchase of Ford, Motorcraft®, or Omnicraft™ Parts and associated labor at participating Ford Dealers. See FordRewards.com for terms and FAQ. Motorcraft® and Omnicraft™ are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. The Ford app is compatible with select smartphone platforms and available via download. Message and data rates may apply. Visit Ford.com for privacy notice.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Pickup & Delivery

When you need service, your dealer will pick up your vehicle, service it at the dealer, and deliver it back to you. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. Nonoperational vehicles are not eligible and require Roadside Assistance. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Mobile Service

Let your dealer come to you at your home or office to perform routine vehicle maintenance there on the spot. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

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1508 Morrissey Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61701
Sam Leman Ford 40.460004, -088.969277.