Oil Change Services

Oil changes are integral aspects of vehicle maintenance. Read all you need to know about the importance of oil change services for your vehicle today. 

An oil change is a standard procedure pursuant to proper vehicle maintenance. How important are oil change services to your vehicle? To put it succinctly: If you fail to change the oil in your automobile, your vehicle will break down or become totaled completely. Prices for oil change services vary per provider but also the type of oil you put in your vehicle. Ultimately you need to ensure your vehicle is filled with clean, fresh oil throughout the entire year. Read ahead to learn all you need to know about the importance of oil change services for your vehicle today.               

  

Oil Changes Are Important - Here’s Why

Regular maintenance is essential to the healthy longevity of your vehicle. Scheduling regular oil change services is vital to your automobile working at all. Oil changes are generally inexpensive as well, which is another reason to prioritize them as part of your regular auto maintenance routine.

Oil changes detoxify the working parts of your automobile, including the engine. The operational systems and components of your vehicle rely on clean oil to function safely and effectively. Vehicles literally fail to run when driven for excessive periods of time on low or dirty oil. This is because your automobile operates in a multiple types of weather conditions and climates. Various types of debris accumulate in your automobile’s oil every time it is driven. The combination of this debris with dirt and general wear-and-tear gradually weakens and corrupts the composition of the oil. When the oil composition corrupts to a certain degree, the oil stops serving its purpose. In fact, at this point, the oil becomes a hazard to your engine and other vehicle components. 

Oil also dries up over time. When oil dries, your engine block literally cracks, which totals your vehicle. This is why it is essential to check your oil levels frequently and schedule regular oil change maintenance services for your car, truck, SUV or van. 

Oil Change Frequency Suggestions

Changing your oil frequently is essential. How frequently should you have it changed? The answer depends on your vehicle and its make and model year. The answer also depends on the condition of your vehicle overall. Another consideration is the quality of oil you put into your automobile each time. For example, higher quality oil tends to last longer and provide extended efficacy. Your automobile might also be equipped with enhanced energy efficiency features, which could also extend the life of the oil.

The frequency at which you should schedule oil change services is recommended in both months and/or miles, whichever arrives first. For example, older vehicles are suggested to have oil changes performed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles - or every 3-5 months - whichever arrives first. Frequencies are suggested this way because vehicles driven more miles in shorter amounts of time still burn up significant amounts of oil. Newer vehicles are suggested to have oil changes performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles - or every 6-12 months - whichever arrives first. If you drive a newer vehicle with enhanced energy efficiency features installed, however, you might only need to have the oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles - or every 6-12 months - also whichever arrives first.

Checking Your Own Oil Helps - Here’s How to Do It

Checking your oil is a basic process. Most drivers are capable of performing a DIY oil check even if they never did so before. Even complete DIY oil changes are possible if you have the knowledge and skills. First, however, you need to check your oil levels.

Your oil pan should consistently have the maximum amount of oil required. To accurately ascertain your oil level, you need to check it either 5-10 minutes after driving your vehicle or before you start it for the first time during the day. Look for the oil dipstick, which is a lengthy flexible stick with a handle. The oil dipstick extends down through a pipe into the oil pan. You might need to consult your owner’s manual to locate the exact position of the oil dipstick because positions are different for each make and model vehicle.

Remove the dipstick. Wipe it completely clean of oil by using a thick paper towel or clean rag. Place the dipstick back into the tube until it fits snugly where it belongs. Remove it once again and look to see where the oil level stops. Every oil dipstick is engraved with marker lines, which indicate both high and low oil levels. The oil level in your vehicle should be “full” or as close to full as possible every time. If it is not, add only enough oil to fill the oil pan to its maximum level. If the oil level is high (which is rare), you might have outside fluid leaking into your oil pan or worse. If the latter is the case, you might need to have your car serviced immediately.

Never Had an Oil Change Before? Here’s What’s Included

Oil change services include all the DIY steps listed above and multiple more. Additional fluid levels such as antifreeze, washer, power steering and transmission fluids are also checked. Depending on the service provider your vehicle’s belts, lights, wiper blades and battery might also be checked. Additional services occasionally included with a professional oil change service include:

• Inspecting the serpentine and timing belts for damage and wear.

• Inspecting tire pressure levels.

• Recommending the best oil type for your vehicle.

• Changing and filling your oil as needed.

Different Types of Motor Oil (which one is right for your vehicle?)

Knowing what type of oil is right for your vehicle is important. High mileage motor oil types are available. Conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend oil types are also available. Every oil type has a rating, which is based on viscosity, weight, and type. Different automobile engines require differently rated oil to function properly. Ratings include numbers and letters, such as 10W-30. For example:

• The “10” refers to the oil flow efficacy at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The ‘W” refers to “winter”.

• The “30” refers to the oil’s viscosity when it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit.