How often do you change your oil?

Ask several different people, and you’ll get different answers about how often oil should be changed. Some suggest every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Others say that one can drive between 7,500 and 10,000 miles and be just fine. Even more state that one should change their oil at least twice per year, no matter how often they drive.

Now, a mechanic and TikTok user says that people are getting the wrong advice about oil changes. Here’s what he says you should do instead.

What’s Wrong With 5,000 Mile Oil Change?

In his TikTok with over 13,100 views, Anthony Nastasi (@anthonynastasi04) announces that “everyone’s doing their oil changes wrong.”

Nastasi goes on to specify that everyone is doing it wrong with brand new engines.

To prove his point, he cites a recent video from The Car Guy Online, which in itself is a response to the Motor Oil Geek’s “Break-In Theory.” The topic of the video is how often one should change their oil when breaking in a new car. 

According to Nastasi, the answer is way, way more often than you think. 

“Everyone’s doing their oil changes wrong, specifically on brand new engines,” he explains. 

While sitting on the couch, Nastasi elaborates further on his take. 

“Because the manufacturers are not doing their job before they deliver that engine to you in your brand new vehicle. They are not making sure that it’s squeaky clean and broken in,” he shares.

Nastasi says that, for a new car, one should change their oil after just 500 miles. Then, they should get their oil changed after 1,000 additional miles, again 2,000 miles after that, and again 3,000 miles after that. 

From there, they can return to their normal oil change intervals.

What Are The Benefits Of Frequent Oil Changes?

In short, Nastasi appears to be arguing that new engines shed a lot of metal during their break-in period.

By changing one’s oil in these frequent intervals, one can mitigate many of the issues that come from early engine wear-and-tear.

“Most issues we see with engines prematurely failing are within the first 5,000 of its life. People are not even changing their oil at 5,000 because the dealership said 10,000 miles,” Nastasi shares.

Nastasi also argues that one should change their oil filters when they change their oil during this early period. Oil filters, he appears to say, can become overwhelmed during engine break-in. Not changing them early allows metal debris to keep circulating, thus damaging the engine.

Furthermore, flushing oil does not clean the filter. Nastasi says that, given the relatively small expense of an oil filter, it’s a smart idea to simply swap out and replace.

Should You Get More Oil Changes During The “Break-In” Phase Of A New Car?

Everyone seems to have a different opinion about oil changes. MotorBiscuit has previously noted that “a good rule of thumb is seven months or 7,000 miles.”

Additionally, Kelley Blue Book suggests doing one every 5,000-7,500 miles. 

That said, the data surrounding the claims of beneficial early oil changes is compelling.

The Car Guy Online, who created the video to which Nastasi is responding, noted that after just 600 miles, his car’s oil showed signs of wear visible in many cars after 4,500 miles. This would point to the benefits of early, frequent oil changes.

The Motor Oil Geek also showed benefits from early, frequent oil changes during the break-in phase. 

“So when I bought my new Ford, I did the same thing…I did a 500 1000 and then 3000. I have not had any trouble with either and they’re both got 100,000 on the clock,” one Youtube commenter added. 

Nastasi’s advice about filter changes, however, can be debated. Some argue that an older filter may actually be better, as it filters out more material. That said, there does not appear to be a significant proven downside to swapping out your filter frequently.

Commenters Share Their Thoughts

In the comments section, some users spoke to the efficacy of this advice.

“I can tell you I change oil myself on the new Corvettes BMW’s and Challengers I’ve bought 500/1500/3000 5k thereafter and none have consumed oil and always make good power,” wrote a user.

“Just swapped my 25 oil at 537 miles. Lots of metallic,” another shared. 

“Just as important, make sure the engine is properly tuned. Worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, a faulty PCV valve, and similar issues can accelerate oil contamination more than most people realize,” one added.

We’ve reached out to Nastasi via TikTok direct message and email.

@anthonynastasi04

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