Oil changes. This routine maintenance for your car is more important than you think. If you have been procrastinating on regular oil changes, you are doing a lot of damage to your vehicle. Clean oil is the difference between a car that lasts for twenty years, and one that craps out after ten. There are many reasons to get regular oil changes for the longevity of your vehicle.
Factors to Consider Before Availing an Oil Change
Before learning the top reasons for oil changes, it’s best to identify first the factors to consider when availing of this particular car service. For people with newer cars, your vehicle may include a ‘maintenance required’ light to notify you that it needs oil changes. Otherwise, if you own an older model, you’ll have to monitor your mileage manually.
Here are some of the factors that you may consider when determining your vehicle’s next oil change:
- Car Manual: Cars typically include an owner’s manual. The manual will usually include information such as recommendations for oil change frequency.
In case you can’t find the manual anymore, you can check the manufacturer’s website and see if there’s an available online copy. If there’s none, you may call the manufacturer and request a manual from their customer service.
- Vehicle Model/Year: As a car owner, it’s necessary to determine the year your vehicle was manufactured. For 2008 models and up, experts advise oil change every three to six months or when you reach approximately 3,000 to 7,500 miles. If you own an older vehicle than 2008, consider oil change around six months or so.
- Oil Requirement: Most vehicles either require synthetic or traditional oil. Depending on the type of oil your car needs, this will determine how frequently your vehicle requires an oil change. If you’re planning to learn how to change oil yourself but unaware of the type of oil suitable for your car, it’s best to inquire with a trained technician.
Now that you know the factors you need to weigh in before getting an oil change, listed below are the reasons why an oil change will increase your vehicle’s longevity.
1. Engine lubrication
Your engine has a lot of moving pieces, such as pistons and valves. Oil helps lubricate and prevent these pieces from wearing down. Clean oil also helps regulate the massive amount of heat generated by these moving components. Refer to your owner’s manual, and follow the recommended service intervals. If you change your oil yourself, ensure that you are using the correct oil and amount for your car. The wrong oil tends to leak, or you may notice a burning smell. Your car’s engine won’t be lubricated as well, and it could lead to potential problems. Also, clean the oil plug and washer thoroughly to prevent any dirt from circulating back into the engine.
2. Gets rid of Dirt
Aside from oil breaking down over time, it also needs to be flushed of dirt and metal pieces. With your car moving at high rates of speed, it’s impossible to stop dirt particles from getting into your oil. Frequent stop and go driving increases the likelihood of dirty oil, and you should change it more often. Clean oil will help your engine remain healthy and performing at its best.
3. Extends Life of Your Engine
Your engine is the heartbeat of your car and a considerable difference-maker in how long it will last. Dirty oil makes your engine work harder, and it decreases the performance. Engines under a lot of strain will fail faster than engines that are adequately maintained.
4. Cools Engine Pieces
Enormous amounts of friction are generated without oil lubricating your engine components. Your engine can quickly overheat, and you’ll be stuck with an expensive repair or total loss of your vehicle. Ensure that your car’s filter is also changed during an oil change in Miamisburg. Clean filters prevent dirt and debris from entering your car’s engine.
5. Removes Sludge and Particles
Dirt that gets into your engine’s oil can lead to corrosion and sludge. Sludge is a result of oil that is not changed, and it will slow down your engine. Regular oil changes will help keep your oil clean and free from sludge.
6. Improves Gas Mileage
Routine oil changes will help your engine perform better, and your car will get better gas mileage. Clean oil can improve gas mileage as much as 2%. This percent may not seem like a lot, but the extra money that you save over twenty years will be substantial. While gas mileage does not directly extend the life of your vehicle, it will help it the engine perform better and prevent possible breakdowns.
7. It’s Simple
Checking your car’s oil level is one of the simplest things to do to keep your engine healthy. Even with zero automotive knowledge, you can check your oil level in a matter of seconds. If you want to double-check, most gas stations have mechanics on-site, and they will check your oil level for free. You can likewise schedule a mobile oil change so you can have your car checked at your preferred location. Before long road trips, ensure your car has the appropriate oil level. Oil changes are relatively inexpensive, and pushing your car past the recommended service level is not wise.
Scheduling routine oil changes can be an inconvenience, but it’s much better than the alternative. Whether you change your oil yourself or take it to a garage, it’s a necessity to keep your car running for a long time. Follow the recommendations of your mechanic and owner’s manual, and your vehicle will be on the road for years to come.
