Changing your truck’s oil may not be particularly easy or fun, but it is still an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s engine. In fact, regular oil changes are one of the most important factors contributing to your truck’s operating efficiency.
In a way, oil is the lifeblood of an engine. It provides lubrication to the different moving parts, helping reduce friction and allowing them to move more easily. Of course, over time, oil begins to convert from a high-quality lubricant into a sludgy, thick substance. Once this happens, you are putting both your engine and your vehicle at risk.
Regular oil changes are the best way to protect your truck and keep everything under the hood operating at optimum levels. Below, we’ll list a few factors that can help you determine how often you need to change your truck’s oil.
Your Driving Environment or Style
If you and your truck frequently deal with steep grades, unpaved roads, and particularly rough driving conditions, you might want to consider changing your oil more often. The same goes for those who have a particularly aggressive driving style or who tend to put their trucks “through the wringer.”
The Info in the Truck’s Manual
Who better to give you advice on your truck’s maintenance than the people who put it together in the first place? Your manual will provide you with a lot of information about your truck’s intended performance, including how often the oil should be changed. If your truck is designed to carry heavy loads over a long distance, for instance, it will necessitate a completely different oil change schedule than a local delivery truck.
The Age of the Truck
High-mileage engines may require more frequent oil changes to keep the engine well-lubricated and operating efficiently. That said, new trucks are not magically immune to frequent oil changes, and you should follow the recommendations passed on by the manufacturer.
The Quality of the Oil You Use
High-quality oil can help boost the efficiency of your engine and affect the need for oil changes. In many cases, oils will claim to provide protection for a certain number of miles, and you should follow their recommendations. Low-grade oil is best avoided, as it might do more harm than good.
Time Spent Idling
Trucks that are left to idle for long periods of time will need oil changes more frequently than others. Also, while mileage is a good indicator of when it’s time to change their oil, many drivers that endure long idling times will instead use their engine’s “run time” as a reference.
Weather Conditions
If your truck has to frequently deal with extreme weather conditions, it might have an effect on the engine and oil. In extreme heat, for instance, oil can lose its thickness. Meanwhile, in extreme cold, it can become extra thick. This changes the workload placed on the engine and needs to be considered when scheduling oil changes.
In Conclusion
As you can see, your truck’s oil and engine can be affected by many different factors. This makes it impossible to give a definitive answer for how often you should change your truck’s oil. In most cases, it’s best to simply talk to a mechanic and make them aware of all the elements at play. Together, you can come up with an oil change schedule that makes sense for your driving style and your truck’s operating environment.