Fresh motor oil has a nice amber color, but it doesn't stay that way for very long. Does a darker color mean it's time for an oil change? Not necessarily.

Healthy engine oil should be light brown, so if yours is black, you may be wondering if it's time for an oil change. Here's what you need to know.

That's why if you've ever seen fresh oil going into an engine, it's a pale brown color, but when you change it, it's near black. ... Myth: You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles.

According to AAA, most automakers now recommend oil change intervals between 5,000 and 7,500 miles for vehicles using conventional oil. If your car requires full-synthetic motor oil, that range ...