The engine serves as the heart of your vehicle, so changing its oil based on the manufacturer’s recommendation is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to keep your vehicle’s engine running longer. However, you must read these recommendations closely to determine the correct interval; the interval that matches your vehicle’s operating conditions and your driving habits.

The Normal interval listed in the owner’s manual applies to vehicles driven under ideal conditions. While you may consider your driving habits and operating conditions quite normal, read the fine print. Some exceptions to Normal driving include:

» Frequent short trips (less than 10 miles, especially during cold weather)

» Stop-and-go city traffic driving

» Driving in dusty conditions, on gravel roads, etc.

» Driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather

» Towing use

» Diesel or turbocharged engine

These conditions commonly appear in the description of severe service driving.