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How Often to Change Synthetic Oil
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As a car owner, you will eventually need to change the fluids in your model, specifically the engine. Many Hyundai drivers ask how often to change synthetic oil inside their vehicle, which the friendly professionals at Colonial Hyundai are here to help with. We use three main types of engine oil for oil changes: synthetic, conventional, and blended (also known as semi-synthetic). Luckily, synthetic tends to last the longest of the three, but that doesn't mean you can ignore it.
Stay tuned because we are here to answer your questions.
What Is Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is entirely human-created and made in a laboratory by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules. Synthetic car oil is more resistant to oxidation, thermal breakdown, and sludge problems, which can lengthen its time inside your engine.
How Does Synthetic Oil Compare With Conventional Oil?
Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil has a more uniform molecular structure, allowing it to keep its original viscosity better than conventional formulas, which are not as uniform or long-lasting. Conventional oil has larger molecules and a more varied structure, which can leave more deposits in your engine and be less stable overall.
Synthetic oil outlasts and outperforms conventional oil most of the time.
Recommended Oil Change Intervals
The industry average for how often to change your car's oil is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles driven. This comes out to twice annually for most people, around the six and 12-month point. That said, some vehicles with synthetic oil can get away with a once-annual oil change at the 10,000 to 15,000-mile point, which is an advantage to choosing and using these manufactured formulas.
General Guidelines for Synthetic Oil Changes
Getting into the general guidelines for how often to change synthetic oil in your engine, this will be every ~7,500 miles on average. You can schedule any oil changes and fluid checks through your neighborhood team here at Colonial Hyundai, as we are a full-service dealer and upkeep/repair location.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Hyundai recommends changing synthetic oil in your car every 7,500 miles or 7-8 months. During this appointment, your car, truck, or SUV may also need tire rotations, brake testing, and alignments, all of which we can assist you with. The rule of thumb for synthetic formula is to have someone check it out at least twice annually so we can make sure levels and quality are on par with Hyundai standards.
Driving Conditions Impact
How you drive and where you drive can impact how often you change synthetic oil in your car. People come to see us for oil changes more frequently if they use their Hyundai for work, like rideshare driving, construction, and long-distance travel. The more your engine works, the more oil it consumes and relies on, which is key to proper lubrication and performance under the hood.
Tip: Heavy towing, racing, off-roading, and driving in bad weather can also deplete your oil faster than average.
What Factors Influence the Oil Change Frequency?
Vehicle age, mileage, driving style and conditions, and oil formula can all impact oil change frequency. Older cars, trucks, and SUVs come to see us more often than newer Hyundais, which is expected because they are approaching or exceeding 100,000 miles.
Type of Vehicle
Luckily, Hyundai models are made to be easy to maintain, so newer vehicles won't require as much engine upkeep as vehicles you have driven 50,000, 75,000, or 100,000+ miles in.
Driving Habits
The way you drive can impact the frequency of an oil change. People who regularly race, use their car for off-roading, or tend to drive in extreme climates need to schedule two or more in a year.
Environmental Conditions
Extreme hot or cold temperatures will affect how often to change synthetic oil. When under stress, your engine works double time to perform at manufacturer quality, using more oil and energy. Dust can also cause more frequent trips to the dealership, so off-roading is a hobby that can mean more time spent at the service center.
What Are the Signs It's Time for a Synthetic Oil Change?
A few tell-tale signs mean it is time to book an oil change for your synthetic formula. These include:
Oil Change Warning Light
If a check engine light is on your dashboard, it is time to get into your nearest Hyundai service center for a synthetic oil change appointment. You could have low or poor-quality oil, causing this light to illuminate.
Unusual Engine Noises
Strange engine sounds, such as knocking, tapping, and grinding, can indicate that it is time to schedule an oil change for your Hyundai car, truck, or SUV.
Dark and Gritty Oil Appearance
If the synthetic oil inside your engine appears dark or dirty, you need to see a professional for an oil change. Because synthetic oil is more likely to stay pure inside your engine, any discoloration should be taken seriously.
Consequences of Ignoring Oil Change Recommendations
If you go without an oil change for too long, your engine can experience increased friction, worsened fuel economy, sludge build-up, trouble with acceleration, frequent overheating and stalling, higher emissions, and major issues like seized bearings, broken piston rings, or even a blown head gasket.
What Are the Best Practices for Synthetic Oil Changes?
The best practices for synthetic oil changes include scheduling routine engine inspections with Hyundai-approved service providers and staying on top of your oil change appointments. As we said, synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 miles. It is also important to get an oil change as soon as you notice issues with performance and engine health, as these will continue to get worse.
DIY vs. Professional Oil Changes
If you do not mind buying your own oil and materials, a DIY oil change can be a good way to save money. That said, it requires attention to detail and basic engine knowledge, and you may not notice something a certified pro will be able to catch during an inspection, so this goes either way. We recommend seeing our top-rated team at Colonial Hyundai for all the engine-related care you need.
Schedule Service at Colonial Hyundai
Anytime you need a synthetic oil change in New London, CT, the friendly pros at Colonial Hyundai will be here to help. We offer convenient Hyundai maintenance throughout the year and will be happy to discuss any engine care questions you have, including how often to change synthetic oil. Contact us today!
