How often to change your oil depends on the type of oil your car uses. Start with your owner’s manual, since it lists the right interval for your engine.
One Vancouver shop directory gives these targets for our mild weather:
- Conventional oil: every 5,000-6,000 km
- Synthetic blend: every 7,500-8,000 km
- Full synthetic: every 10,000-12,000 km
Time counts too, not just distance. One Surrey shop says to get an oil change at least twice a year, even if the kilometres are low.
The way you drive matters. Short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing and heavy loads are all hard on oil. If that sounds like your week, plan on the short end of the range.
Many newer cars have an oil-life monitor. It’s a handy guide, but it doesn’t test the oil itself.
Check your oil about once a month. If it looks dark and gritty, it’s due now.
Keep your receipts so you always know when the next one is due. For prices, read our guide to oil change cost in Vancouver.
Service desk The full guide
Oil change cost in Vancouver: the published prices, what a quote covers and how to compare quotes.