How often your vehicle needs an oil change depends on your vehicle, your driving, and the type of oil you use. Many modern vehicles using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil can safely go about 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes, while older recommendations of every 3,000 miles are outdated. Your vehicle's owner’s manual gives the best interval for your specific vehicle, and many cars have an oil life monitor on the dashboard that tells you when service is due. If you make a lot of short trips, do a lot of city stop-and-go driving, tow, or drive in very hot or very cold conditions, you may need oil changes more often. When in doubt, following the manufacturer’s schedule or asking a trusted shop for oil change advice is a safe approach.