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What You Should Know About Oil Changes

posted on 10/14/2020 4:01:17 PM

Oil changes: almost every automobile needs ‘em. If you’re like most, you know oil changes need to be done regularly. But why? What does motor oil do, what kind do you need, and what happens if you don’t change your oil?

Read on for knowledge and advice from auto industry veterans. P.S. - Don’t forget to listen to the All About The Car podcast episode about oil changes here!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Before there were oil changes, there had to be oil! Oil was first found to have lubricating properties by John Ellis in 1866. After finding that oil had no medicinal use (can you imagine that?) Ellis developed an all-petroleum, high-viscosity lubricant for use in steam engines. All motor oil today provides the same basic features that were needed back then: the lubrication and cooling of the engine and its parts!

Ever since, oil has been an important component in daily conveniences, like automobiles, ATVs and lawn mowers. Motor oil helps to prolong the life of your engine by lubricating the moving parts within and eliminating friction. This helps keep the engine cool and avoid overheating, too. If oil goes unchanged too long, the engine will experience unnecessary wear and tear. In extreme cases, this can eventually cause irreversible damage and the engine will need to be replaced, resulting in costly and unexpected repairs.

What Kind of Oil Do I Need?

There are two basic types of motor oil: conventional and synthetic. We’ve got a great blog to help you understand the difference between the two – check it out!

Some cars, particularly older models, call for conventional oil. Others, however, require synthetic. To find the motor oil best suited for your vehicle, be sure to check the manufacturer specifications found in your owner’s manual. By doing this, you can be confident you’re using the correct motor oil that your car or truck was designed to take.

Typically, synthetic is recommended over conventional oil. It is a superior product and allows for extended oil change intervals. This means you don’t need to change the oil as often, saving yourself time. How’s that for convenience?

When using a synthetic blend, you can go about 3,000 miles between oil changes. Full synthetic oil doubles that, allowing about 6,000 between services! Some new vehicles have amazingly efficient engines that allow for 7,500 – 10,000 miles between changes. It is common for modern cars to have an oil change reminder feature, too, and they’re surprisingly accurate. The vehicle will take various factors into account and alert you when an oil change is needed.

What About My Seasonal Car?

Seasonal cars are common in Wisconsin’s ever-changing climate. Seasonal cars are vehicles that are used for only part of the year, such as a classic or muscle car that is driven in the summer months. These automobiles might only get 5,000 miles a year. So, what does this mean for oil changes?

It is recommended to change the oil in seasonal cars a minimum of once a year. Even if the vehicle has been driven sparingly, oil will break down over time and become less effective. The same principle goes for oil in your garage – clean oil can be used for up to two years, and it is best if the oil container is sealed to avoid harmful contamination.

I bought a new car with no records. How do I know when it needs an oil change?

If you’re not sure when a vehicle is due for an oil change, it is best to change the oil right away so you can be confident moving forward. It is also a great time to bring the car in for a complete vehicle inspection. This will help you understand the overall condition of the car and catch any issues before they become bigger problems.

I realized last minute that my vehicle will be due for an oil change during vacation. Is it okay to wait until after the trip?

This will depend on how close you are to the oil change interval as well as how far you plan to drive. The best miles you can put on a car occur when the vehicle is at its operating temperature for an extended period of time, such as a road trip. If you need to go 1,000 miles past due, just be sure to check the oil level regularly.

How often do I need to check my oil?

You should make an effort to check the oil in your car between oil changes, about every 1,000 – 2,000 miles. If you’ve just bought a car, it is particularly important to check the oil level every time you fill up your tank. This will help you understand how the vehicle handles oil and can help you avoid bigger issues down the road. For a detailed description of how to check oil, listen to the previous podcast Getting Your Car Ready for Summer.

You might find that you need to add oil between changes. While this may be cause for concern, it’s usually not. Ultimately, it depends on the amount of oil you need to add. Some manufacturers have specific oil consumption quantities that are considered normal for the vehicle to use up, such as half a quart per 1,000 miles. You can find this information in your owner’s manual.

Can I change the oil myself?

You can change the oil in your vehicle yourself, but this is only recommended if you are experienced or have someone you can learn from. If your skin comes in contact with oil, be sure to wash it off as soon as you are able. It won’t hurt you initially, but used oil does contain harmful carcinogens. It is common for technicians to wear gloves while performing an oil change.

After changing the oil, be sure to recycle the used oil correctly. Most service stations, county and municipal facilities will do this for you at no or low cost. Always be environmentally friendly! And, as always, if you have never changed vehicle oil, it is best to leave it to the pros.

What can I expect at an oil change appointment?

When you book a full-service oil change with a reputable shop, you should expect the automotive technicians to do more than just change the oil. They should also change the oil filter if needed, lubricate the chassis, rotate tires and perform a number of courtesy checks on the lights, belts, hoses, filters, fluids, suspension, steering system, and exhaust system. Be aware that quick service oil change facilities may not offer all of these services.

In today’s busy world, convenience is important. Typically, time spent at an oil change appointment will be anywhere between 30-60 minutes, depending whether tire rotation is needed. If so, remember to have your tires retorqued after 50 miles to tighten the lug nuts.

Regular oil changes will help keep you informed on the health of your car and detect small issues before they become a big – and costly – problem. Think of full-service oil changes as cheap insurance for the health of your vehicle!

Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (83) | Return

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What You Should Know About Oil Changes

Oil changes: almost every automobile needs ‘em. If you’re like most, you know oil changes need to be done regularly. But why? What does motor oil do, what kind do you need, and what happens if you don’t change your oil?

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