Changing the oil regularly in your car or truck is one of the most important things you can do to protect your engine. Oil keeps vital engine parts well lubricated and cooled so that they won't overheat and changing the oil filter at each oil change will keep engine oil clean longer.
There’s no reason to stick to the old motto of “every 3,000 miles or three months” as today’s cars usually suggest 5,000 or 7,500 miles between oil changes, or at least once every six months. This frequency strikes a good balance between maximizing oil life and minimizing engine wear from driving with degraded oil.
Always check your Owner’s Manual for recommended service times for your specific make and model for optimal performance. Additionally, if you drive outside of “normal” driving conditions, your Owner’s Manual should have a section similarly titled, Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions, which can alter recommended maintenance schedules.
For example, here are things that can impact an engine’s oil efficiency and require more frequent oil changes:
· Very low miles on a car, still needs at least a yearly oil change.
· Driving in extremely hot, cold, or dusty conditions most of the time.
· Hard driving, off-roading, consistent high-speed driving.
· Driving on rough, muddy, graveled, or salted roads.
· Sustained stop-and-go driving, extensive idling for long distances.
· Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.
What is a full-service oil change?
Along with replacing the engine oil in your car, a full-service oil change with a professional mechanic is like a medical checkup for your vehicle. They perform various checks on other parts of your car, including all fluid levels to ensure its parts and systems will run smoothly. If something has developed a problem or needs attention, it can be caught and corrected before it becomes an expensive repair.
The actual oil change
The oil change itself involves draining the oil from the engine and changing out the oil filter. Once a new filter is installed, they replace up to five quarts of oil. They may or may not ask what type of oil you prefer or just check their data base for oil requirements for your specific make and model of car and the manufacturers’ recommended oil type. You can check your Owner’s Manual for recommended oil to use or talk to your mechanic if you want to change from conventional oil to a synthetic. Three most common types of engine oil are:
· Conventional Oil: Crude oil drawn from the ground and refined in a factory. (Cheapest option)
· Full Synthetic Oil: Factory manufactured but more refined, better for engine performance, and gives longer life than conventional oil. (Most expensive option)
· Synthetic Blend Oil: A mix of synthetic and conventional oils to capture the benefits of both while reducing the drawbacks of each. (Mid-range price)
Additional fluid level checks
Part of the full service is checking other critical fluid levels in your vehicle. Levels are checked and if they register low, the technician will top them off for you for free or possibly for a small additional charge on some. These fluids include:
· Brake fluid
· Power steering fluid
· Window washer fluid
· Transmission fluid
· Battery fluid if an NMF (non-maintenance-free) battery
· Coolant reservoir
· Clutch fluid
· Front/Rear Differential
Preventive safety checks
Using a combination of diagnostic tools and hands-on inspection, your mechanic will test and check other parts and systems of your vehicle. This may lead to suggestions for additional services. Don’t be too quick to dismiss this as merely up-selling.
A needed repair or replacement auto part at the first sign of trouble could forestall a crisis later, so discuss the findings in detail before you make a decision. Things that will be checked include:
· Engine air filter and cabin air filter are checked to see if they are clean or need replacement if filters are clogged and dirty. Clean filters ensure proper air flow to the engine and cooling system for inside comfort. A clogged filter can trigger the dreaded “check engine” light.
· Drive belts and radiator hoses are checked for cracks, wear, or damage. Belts and hoses can become brittle and crack which can stop you in your tracks if they break. Replacement at the first sign of wear before it becomes a problem gives you peace of mind.
· Wiper blades are checked for efficiency. Summer sun and winter cold can dry out rubber wiper blades, so they develop cracks and chips and no longer clear the windshield of rain, snow, or mud.
· Headlights, taillights, and turn signals are tested to ensure all are working properly. Road safety depends on all the lights doing their job. Replacement bulbs are an easy fix for burn-out so you can safely see and be seen.
· Test the horn’s function. A necessary safety feature for driving in heavy traffic.
· Check the tires for wear/tread/pressure or need to rotate and balance. Proper inflation slows down wear, improves fuel economy, and extends the life of your tires.
· Checking battery health ensures the battery charge is not weak, the battery terminals are clean of any corrosion, and that all connections make proper contact.
Rather than chasing $5- and $10-off oil change coupons all over town, having a steady, reliable mechanic makes car maintenance easier. Not only will you develop a trusting relationship, they will have the history of your car, service recommendations they’ve made, work done, and even send reminders to keep you on track when maintenance is due again. Plus, most shops offer periodic money-saving coupons you can take advantage of when your next oil change or car service comes due.
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