European Car Oil Change Intervals: How Often to Service
If you own a European vehicle, you are more than likely aware of the precision engineering and superior performance that comes with the car. One of the tasks that will keep it running its best is getting regular oil changes. Your car’s engine depends on motor oil to stay lubricated much like our bodies depend on water. Also similar to our bodies, what comes out can tell us how things are working on the inside. Keeping fresh oil in the engine and knowing the warning signs when changing the oil are critical parts of this formula.
Pro Tip: As a responsible driver, you should not rely on your car’s oil life monitoring system to determine when it is time to have the car’s oil changed. At the very least, it’s best to set a reminder on your calendar for the next projected oil change (assuming you don’t hit the mileage marker first).
Not only does the oil need to be changed at certain intervals, it also needs to be a certain type of engine oil. The best information for each specific make, model, and engine type can be found in the owner’s manual. Luckily, using a reputable European auto repair shop for your regular maintenance means you can leave the details of your next oil change to the professionals.
Choosing a trusted European service, like Euromotion, to assist you in maintaining your vehicle is essential. We partner with you to perform your car maintenance and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
How often do I really need an oil change?
Proper maintenance of oil changes is one of the top things you should do to your European vehicle. Even though most manufacturers specify oil changes after 7,500 to 10,000 miles, we advise performing an oil change every 5,000 miles.
The European engine is built with tighter tolerances, operates at high temperatures and utilizes a complicated system of turbocharging and emissions control. Good quality oil will be able to help you maintain all the parts working efficiently and avoid the problems related to excessive wear and tear and lack of proper lubrication due to the use of worn out oil.
The use of maximum recommended interval might be okay in ideal conditions, however, in the real world, driving involves many trips, stop and go driving, heat, cold starts and long periods of idling, so the 5,000 mile interval ensures you a better level of protection.
What type of oil should I use?
You may have wondered why your Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo requires a special kind of engine oil. Many European cars in the past had some of the most legendary engines such as the Volvo Red Block or the Mercedes AMG M156 V8. These engines require some special treatment and the reasons are valid. The European Union has tighter carbon emission standards than the U.S., which includes tighter standards and lower SAPS levels to help control emissions.
Domestic oil degrades over periods. A special blend is needed that will last 10,000 miles and meet EU emissions standards. Using oil that is not specially designed for your vehicle is asking for problems, because it damages your engine and denigrates the performance as a result. European engines are often turbocharged, creating the additional need for engine oil that will both lubricate as well as clean the turbo of deposits.
Most European automakers recommend using a full synthetic oil due to its more advanced motor oil technology. There are a variety of good brands. Because European cars have longer drain intervals, a more robust engine oil is required to protect against wear, deposits, and sludge for the extended duration. Yes, you may be able to get by with a lesser quality and type of oil, but you don’t really want to chance it, do you? Using the right oil is critical in maintaining your warrant and keeping the engine running well. Using an oil other than is recommended can nullify your warranty and cause your vehicle to accelerate sluggishly.
What happens if I miss my oil change interval?
If you miss your oil change interval, your car may begin experiencing reduced performance and fuel efficiency. In fact, more serious issues can develop over time such as engine damage. We can’t stress enough the importance of staying up to date on your oil changes to avoid potential problems.