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Your car is an amazing collection of working parts. From the simple Model T to the computer controlled modern car, there have always been two enemies of engines. They are heat and friction.

When it comes to keeping your car on the road, you need to maintain it. This means you need to understand the ins and outs of when to change motor oil to make sure friction and heat do not shorten the life of your engine.

Motor oil can take an absolute beating. That being said, the modern car engine will give it one. From stop and start traffic to hot climates, you will have to change your oil sooner or later.

What answer immediately popped into your mind? I bet it was that the oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Right? Somewhere, an oil marketing executive has a big grin on their face.

Do you really think you need to automatically change you oil every 3 months? What if you only drove the car once during that period? The simple truth is every car faces different circumstances and thus needs oil changed at different times.

Why is there no one guideline? Well, consider a construction worker with a big truck who hauls tons of materials. Now consider a school teacher who drives to school and back. Which engine is going to be more stressed and need the oil changed more frequently?

Still, we need some type of guideline right? Well, you have one. For men, this will be painful. Yes, we will have to read directions. In the owners manual for the car, we can find the information for the specific needs of our vehicle.

The manufacturer will actually specify a number of different things. The time frame and miles for a change are obvious bits of information. The manufacturer, however, will also designate a weight of oil and brand as well.

Whatever you do, stick religiously to the weight recommended for the oil by the manufacturer. The specific brand can be ignored. Castrol, Pennzoil and so on all work well enough.

You are often going to have a choice between normal and synthetic oils. The synthetic oils are really great. They can last for 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Make sure to look at the different brands and their expected life spans.

A personal favorite of mine is Mobile 1. I've used this for years after a racing mechanic recommended it to me. I have to say I have experienced no engine problems since then and I drive a Jaguar! Pretty miraculous, eh?

Stop throwing away money by unnecessarily paying for oil changes ever 3,000 miles. Give your owners manual a read and follow those directions. You will undoubtedly save some serious money.