There is no single correct interval — there is the correct interval for your car, the oil it takes, and the miles you actually do.
Interval as set by your handbook
Most manuals give a flexible interval (e.g. “every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first”). Short journeys, cold starts and towing count as “severe service” and shorten that interval significantly.
The spec matters more than the viscosity
UK drivers obsess over “5W-30 vs 5W-40” but the approval code matters more: VW 504/507, BMW LL-04, ACEA C3. Low-ash (low-SAPS) oils protect DPFs on modern diesels. Our listings label the full standard in plain text.
Why oil degrades even without miles
Oxidation and moisture dilute oil over time, so an annual change makes sense even on low-mileage cars. An old filter holds up to half a litre of dirty oil, which is why we always pair our oils with the matching MANN-FILTER or Bosch filter.
The visible signs of tired oil
Dark colour is normal; what is not normal is a burnt smell, fuel dilution (strong petrol smell on the dipstick) or a warning lamp for oil pressure. Never wait for the lamp.
A simple rule of thumb
Modern car + long-journey miles + correct approved oil → follow the handbook. Older car + short trips + unknown oil history → change every 6-8,000 miles with a new filter every time.
