When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next. The sticker always tells you to get your next oil change at the earlier of 3 months or 3,000 miles.3,000 miles was the old standard, but car manufacturers have improved their products in recent years. Do you really have to have an oil change every 3,000 miles?

Most automakers now recommend getting an oil change every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, for “severe” driving they recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles.What do they mean by "severe" driving? Hot, cold, dusty, and ocean-side environments, towing a trailer, making many short trips and city driving are all considered "severe" conditions. Many of us fall into that category!

We all know that over-maintaining your car is a waste of money, but oil change are cheap. An oil change only costs about . If you drive under any of these "severe" conditions, it's definitely worth the extra a year. If you err on the side of under-maintaining your car, it's more likely to need expensive repairs later. If you take good care of your car, it can easily last 200,000 miles or more. The longer you can make your current car last, the more money you'll keep. Wouldn't it be great if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you're no longer using for car payments. You could buy your next car for cash!

No one enjoys taking their car in for any maintenance or repairs. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. You can get an oil change from your mechanic, your car dealership, or your local WalMart. If you can get an oil change done while you're shopping, you'll save time. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And many shops are trying to make their waiting areas more pleasant and convenient. Many offer free wifi, snacks and tv to make the wait go by faster.

I think it's wise for most of us to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. It's cost effective, easy and a very good idea. So find a mechanic or shop and get into the habit of regular oil changes. When your car has 200,000 + miles and is still going strong, you'll be happy that you did.

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