How often should I change my oil?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Go by your owner's manual and the oil-life monitor, since the interval differs by engine and by how you drive. Use the oil grade the manufacturer recommends. FuelEconomy.gov says using the wrong grade can cut gas mileage by 1% to 2%.
The details
Why there's no single answer:
- Intervals differ by engine, and many owner's manuals list a separate schedule for severe service such as towing.
- FuelEconomy.gov gives an example: using 10W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-30 can lower mileage by 1% to 2%.
- Look for "Energy Conserving" on the API symbol, per FuelEconomy.gov.
Our oil change intervals page lists what each Chevrolet, Ford, Ram and Dodge owner's manual says by model.
Need it looked at? Schedule service in Barron.
Book online or call the service department for your brand. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
More Car Care Questions answers
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- What does the check engine light mean?
- Why does my tire pressure light come on when it gets cold?
- Why do car batteries die in cold weather?
- Will using an independent shop void my new-car warranty?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Oil change intervals by model
- Schedule service
- Maintenance records and your warranty
- Winter gas mileage and warm-ups
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Is 3,000 miles still the rule for oil changes?
Not for most modern vehicles. Follow your owner's manual and the oil-life monitor.
Does oil grade matter?
Yes. FuelEconomy.gov says the wrong grade can lower gas mileage by 1% to 2%.
Does towing change my oil interval?
Often yes. Owner's manuals usually list towing as severe service. Check yours.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA): Keeping your vehicle in shape: fueleconomy.gov