How long is it okay to go between oil changes?

I drive a Honda Element, and I just had the oil changed after about 10,000 miles. I was really worried about going that long, but then I heard that with newer cars, this is ok. Also, is that why the prices for an oil change have gone up so much?How long is it okay to go between oil changes?
Most modern cars require a service every 1 Year or 10,000 or so miles, which ever comes first. Changing every 5,000 miles seems rather excessive for a modern car. The best thing is just to stick to what the service manual states. However check oil level regularly and before any long journey as correct oil level is just as important as changing oil regularly.How long is it okay to go between oil changes?
It depends on the type of driving you do, and the type of oil you used at the last change.





Have a look at http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stori鈥?/a> which addresses the question well.





For normal oil, not synthetic, 3 to 5 thousand miles is the most popular answer. But the real answer is to look at the manual in the glove box, and see what it says about oil changes.





Bottom line: 10,000 is a bit extreme, even for synthetic oils. If you are a normal driver, city and highway driving, don't drive on dusty roads a lot, 5,000 in probably a good guess using non synthetic oils.





As to expense going up, I hadn't noticed that. Ask where you have the oil changed about the costs if you think they are excessive, or even better, learn to change your own oil. It isn't that hard to do.
Your owners manual should give you a guideline and you can do some reserch online. For older cars it's always been suggested to do it at 3K but many professionals say that's not necessary and 5K - 7K is fine for many vehicles (depending on where you are driving).





10K does seem excessive, but then I don't have a really new car (mine is an '02) so I won't say that was a poor choice....just look up oil change frequency with your search engine, or even oil change frequency honda element
Depends on your vehicle and the way you drive it. Older vehicles typically require an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. A new car, like my 2009 Hyundai, can go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles if driven conservatively.





Your vehicle should have it's oil changed every 5,000 miles at most.
10000 miles is insane. 3 to 5000 miles is where it should be. the price being high is due to the increase in price of oil mainly.
Read your owners manual. It has the schedule for varying uses.
i change mine when i notice the engine running harsher, but at 3k miles my oil still has a golden hue to it