Oil changes are essential maintenance tasks for every vehicle. If you want your car to last, don’t forget about regular oil changes. If cost is a concern, we’ve discovered oil change offers with discounts of up to 70% or starting as low as $18.99. Take a look at the oil change deals in your area.
Understanding How Engine Oil Works
Engine oil serves as a lubricant, ensuring that the metal parts inside your engine move smoothly. It also acts as a cleaner, removing debris, dirt, and contaminants that can build up over time. Additionally, engine oil helps control the engine’s temperature by dissipating heat from combustion. However, over time, oil becomes less effective due to heat and contamination, so regular oil changes are necessary.
Why Regular Oil Changes Matter
Better Lubrication: As the engine runs, parts create friction and heat. Clean and sufficient oil reduces friction between these parts, decreasing wear and tear and extending the engine’s life.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: Fresh oil helps the engine work efficiently, leading to better fuel mileage. Old, dirty oil can cause decreased mileage, increasing your fuel costs.
Preventing Overheating: Engine oil removes heat from important parts, preventing overheating. Regular oil changes keep the engine temperature in check and prevent potential damage.
Removing Contaminants: Engine oil collects debris, dust, and particles over time, which can create sludge. Regular oil changes clear out these contaminants, ensuring a smooth engine operation.
Avoiding Engine Damage: Dirty or low oil levels can lead to poor lubrication, causing parts to grind and leading to irreversible engine damage.
Longer Lifespan: Well-maintained engines usually last longer. Regular oil changes contribute to your vehicle’s overall health, extending its lifespan.
Recommended Oil Change Intervals
The frequency of oil changes depends on factors like oil type, driving conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. While it used to be advised to change oil every 3,000 miles, advances in engine technology and oil quality have extended this interval for many cars. Most modern vehicles can go around 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Still, it’s important to consult your vehicle’s manual for specific guidance.
Different Types of Engine Oil
Conventional Oil: Made from crude oil, conventional oil provides basic lubrication and protection. It suits vehicles with light to moderate driving and needs more frequent changes compared to synthetic oil.
Synthetic Oil: Chemically engineered for better performance, synthetic oil offers improved lubrication and stability across temperatures. It’s great for heavy loads, extreme temperatures, or high-performance driving. Synthetic oil usually lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent changes.
Synthetic Blend: This is a mix of conventional and synthetic oils, giving some synthetic benefits at a more affordable cost.
The Process of Changing Oil
Changing engine oil might seem complicated, but it’s quite simple. Many people let professionals at service centers handle oil changes, while some experienced individuals prefer doing it themselves. Here’s a general outline:
Preparation: Park on level ground, ensure the engine is cool, and gather tools like a wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, and new filter.
Draining Old Oil: Place the drain pan beneath the oil drain plug (usually at the engine’s bottom). Remove the plug to let the old oil drain out completely.
Changing the Oil Filter: Use the filter wrench to remove the old filter. Apply fresh oil to the new filter’s gasket, then hand-tighten the new filter as per instructions.
Adding New Oil: Check your manual for oil type and amount. Use a funnel to pour in the new oil.
Checking Oil Level: Wait a few minutes for oil to settle, then use the dipstick to check the level. Add more oil if needed, but avoid overfilling.
Proper Disposal: Responsibly dispose of old oil and filters at a recycling center.
Regular oil changes are crucial for proper vehicle care. They ensure engine longevity, performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. By understanding engine oil, following recommendations, and choosing the right oil, you can keep your vehicle running well for years. Whether you do it yourself or rely on professionals, this maintenance task invests in your vehicle’s health and well-being.
