This short article will help answer why, how, and how often this vital service should be performed.
All About Oil Changes
1. Why Should You Change Your Oil?
Although some vehicle owners simply disregard changing oil until it’s long overdue, this will become a significant problem eventually! Failing to change your vehicle’s oil on a regular basis could literally leave you stranded!
Beneath your vehicle’s hood, a complex system of pistons, valves and other components reside. These moving parts include valves and pistons, which create a lot of friction - and therefore, heat.
Your engine oil is there to make sure all of those moving parts are lubricated. By absorbing the heat generated, the engine oil helps your engine maintain a safe operating temperature. If the engine were to overheat, you can imagine what happens to these critical parts!
No matter the road surfaces you frequent, dirt and debris will collect on your engine components. These bits of dirt accumulate over time, leading to corrosion and, ultimately, expensive engine repairs. Your engine’s oil removes this grime and sludge, depositing it in your vehicle’s oil filter, ensuring your engine is as clean as possible. It improves gas mileage, protects your engine, and even extends the life of your car.
Over time, your engine’s oil will degrade, impairing its ability to protect your engine via heat-absorption. A quick oil change will lower the risk of your engine overheating and is a low-cost investment in your vehicle’s longevity. Regular oil changes will increase your car engine’s lifespan and keep it running for years to come.
2. How Does an Oil Change Work?
Have you ever wondered what is done to your vehicle during an oil change? There are several steps followed by mechanics and technicians in a professional oil change. First, your car is placed on a lift and raised.
The tech will remove the oil pan plug and, once the dirty oil drains out, will reinstall the oil pan plug. Once drained fully, fresh new oil is added to your vehicle. Next, the technician will remove the dirty oil filter and replace it with a new one, protecting your engine from unwanted contaminants.
3. How Often Should You Change Your Vehicle’s Oil?
The answer to this question varies based on a number of factors, including a vehicle's age and your typical driving conditions. Conventional thinking was that your oil needed to be changed every 3,000 miles. However, newer automobiles don’t require oil changes as frequently - particularly those modern engines which use synthetic oils.
Late model vehicles typically only require oil changes every 5,000 miles. If your vehicle is older, you should probably stick with the original standard of an oil change every 3,000 miles.
Although grime accumulates from all road surfaces, your driving habits may dictate more frequent oil changes. If you live miles down a dirt road, drive on gravel frequently, or find yourself frequenting the sandy shores of eastern North Carolina, you may need to have your oil changed more frequently than 5,000 miles.
Your best bet is to have a conversation with us when you drop off your vehicle. We can help you determine just how often to have your oil changed.
4. Can Routine Oil Changes Save You Money?
Yes! Dirty and degraded oil will allow an engine to overheat and fail. Sometimes the only option after engine failure is to purchase a new vehicle.
Regular oil changes are a small investment to protect the expensive components of your car or truck’s engine. Changing the oil on a regular basis also will also help to improve your fuel mileage as well. Schedule your next oil change today. Your car and wallet will thank you.
For drivers in the Goldsboro area, you will not find a mechanic with more experience and expertise than Retro Lube Oil Change. We have been helping car owners protect their vehicles through routine maintenance practices for many years. If you are due for an oil change, contact us or bring your car by the shop today. We will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.