How Often Should I Change the Oil in My European Car?

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. In this article, we'll talk about oil change intervals for your cream puff, using both mileage and time requirements for frequency, and how this task is essential in car maintenance.

How often do I really need an oil change?

Keeping your oil changed is essential, but should it be done frequently? How often should you change your oil? Frequent oil changes aren't necessary for a European car because these cars have longer oil change intervals as compared to our domestic vehicles. On the other hand, European cars are designed to run with much tighter tolerances within the engine, and this can only be achieved by making sure the required maintenance is done sooner rather than later.

Allowing a European car go without required maintenance can cause much more engine wear than cars that were designed to be neglected a bit more. Most European cars require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Many conventional and synthetic domestic oils will break down between 3,000 and 7,000 miles.

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.

How often should you change the oil?

The oil in your European car must be changed at regular oil change intervals. Oil changes performed regularly will keep your engine at optimum performance. And, we would guess that one of the reasons you have this type of car is for its performance. When you change oil in your car every 10,000 miles, you are taking a simple step in the proper maintenance and upkeep that keeps your car running smoothly and helps your vehicle last a long time.

Should oil be changed by miles or time?

The standard rule of thumb is to change your oil either by miles or time, whichever comes first. If you drive your car a lot with frequent road trips or due to work, you accumulate mileage more frequently than average. If this is the case, you should change your oil by the mileage instead of the time. On the other hand, if you drive the car infrequently and don't put many miles on the odometer, you should go by the time intervals instead. Because oil degrades and oxidizes over time, it has an expiration date.

Here are some common synthetic oil change intervals:

• BMW: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
• Mercedes-Benz: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Audi: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Volkswagen: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Mini Cooper: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
• Porsche: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

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.

Is it OK to change oil once a year?

If your European car calls for an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, it is OK to only change your oil once a year. Some cars call for very long oil change intervals because vehicle manufacturers are working towards, and making great strides, in reducing emissions. Especially in Europe, automakers are minimizing the carbon footprint and improving fuel economy. Be sure to check your owner's manual for the particulars of your specific car.