When should you change your oil?

How often should you change your oil?

There's no single number that's right for every car. The interval depends on your model, the engine and the type of oil. In practice it's usually between 10,000 and 30,000 km, or once a year — whichever comes first. If you drive few kilometres, that once-a-year rule matters most: oil ages with time too, not just mileage.

The exact figure comes from the manufacturer and is set out in your car's maintenance schedule. We simply look it up by license plate — so you know exactly when your car is due, without guesswork. Lots of short trips, city traffic, towing a trailer or spirited driving? Then changing sooner is wise.

How to tell your oil is overdue

Better not to wait until there's a problem. These signs point to an oil change being needed:

• Dark, dirty oil — fresh oil is a clear amber; old oil turns black and thick.
• Warning light — the oil or engine light on your dashboard.
• Louder or rougher engine — less lubrication means more noise and vibration.
• Lower oil level on the dipstick, or a burnt smell.
• Service interval passed — you're over the mileage or the date.

In doubt? Have it checked — it costs little and prevents expensive engine damage.

Why fresh oil matters so much

Engine oil does more than lubricate. It cools, cleans and protects hundreds of moving parts that spin past each other at high speed. As oil ages it loses these properties: it thickens, gets contaminated and lubricates less well.

The consequence of waiting too long is accelerated engine wear — and that's precisely the most expensive repair there is. A timely oil change is therefore one of the cheapest ways to keep your engine healthy for a long time. Fresh oil = less friction, less wear, longer enjoyment of your car.

What does an oil change at AutoJet in Almere cost?

At AutoJet an oil change including a new oil filter is from €130. You see the exact price up front by license plate — it depends on the amount and type of oil your engine requires. No surprises afterwards. Is your maintenance close to a service? Then a small service at €170 or a big service at €320 is often better value.

You always see the price up front. You never pay for work you haven't approved in advance.

How it works: license plate → time → change → advice

An oil change is quick with us and you don't have to set aside your whole day for it:

• License plate — enter your license plate; we see the make, model and the right oil interval and give the price up front.
• Time — pick a moment that suits you, Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00. The change itself is ready while you wait.
• Change — we drain the old oil, replace the oil filter and fill with the right fresh oil.
• Advice — we tell you honestly when you're next due and whether anything else needs attention.

We speak Ukrainian, Russian and English — handy if Dutch isn't your first language.

See also: Oil change in Almere · Blog

Frequently asked questions about changing your oil