Your vehicle needs clean oil in order to operate efficiently and safely. Over time, dirt and grime build up in the oil. This causes it to become less effective in providing lubrication protection for your vehicle. You should change your oil on a regular basis even if you don't drive your car too many miles each year.

Every vehicle that is on the market has a recommended oil change interval provided by the vehicle's manufacturer. Each vehicle is different. As a general rule, many newer vehicles have an every 5,000 miles or six months oil change interval. Older vehicles often need their oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles.

Even though you don't drive three or five thousand miles in a given period, you still need to change the oil because the manufacturer has provided a time recommendation as well as a mileage recommendation. Oil breaks down over time, so it needs to be changed.