Synthetic motor oil provides excellent engine protection and typically lasts longer than conventional oil. However, that raises an important question: How often should you change synthetic motor oil?

The answer depends on the oil you use, your vehicle and your driving conditions. In fact, choosing a premium synthetic oil such as AMSOIL may allow you to safely go much longer between oil changes.

Forget the Old 3,000-Mile Rule

For many years, drivers were told to change their motor oil every 3,000 miles. Today, that advice is outdated for most modern vehicles.

Advances in engine design and motor oil technology have significantly increased oil-change intervals. Many vehicle manufacturers now recommend longer intervals. In addition, modern vehicles often use an oil-life monitoring system to help determine when service is needed.

Synthetic motor oil can provide even greater protection because it resists breakdown better than conventional oil.

How Long Does Synthetic Motor Oil Last?

There is no single oil-change interval that applies to every synthetic motor oil. Some oils are designed for standard manufacturer-recommended intervals. Others are specifically formulated for extended service.

For example, AMSOIL Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil provides guaranteed protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, during normal service. Under severe-service conditions, the recommended interval is up to 15,000 miles or one year.

AMSOIL Extended-Life Synthetic Motor Oil provides protection for up to 20,000 miles or one year during normal service. Meanwhile, AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oil is designed for the oil-change intervals recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Does Your Driving Count as Severe Service?

Driving conditions can affect how often you should change synthetic motor oil. Severe service may include frequent towing, hauling or plowing. Excessive idling and driving in dusty conditions can also place additional demands on your oil.

Therefore, it is important to consider how you actually use your vehicle rather than mileage alone.

Always check the recommendations for the specific motor oil you purchase. Your vehicle owner’s manual can also provide important maintenance information.

Choose AMSOIL for Long-Lasting Protection

Changing your oil less frequently doesn’t mean sacrificing engine protection when you use a motor oil engineered for extended service.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated to resist oil breakdown, control deposits and protect against engine wear. Depending on the AMSOIL product you choose, extended drain intervals can also mean fewer oil changes, less waste oil and less time spent on maintenance.

So, how often should you change synthetic motor oil? Start with the recommendations for your vehicle and the specific oil you’re using. Then choose a high-quality synthetic oil designed to deliver the protection and service life you need.

For drivers looking for outstanding protection and the convenience of longer oil-change intervals, AMSOIL synthetic motor oil is an excellent choice.