Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to prep your car for the cooler weather. The change of seasons is a good reminder to take care of scheduled maintenance on your car to prevent breakdowns and improve gas mileage and performance.
When you’re thinking about routine maintenance, you probably wonder how often you should get an oil change. Experts used to recommend having your car’s oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. But today’s newer vehicles that use synthetic oil can go as long as 5,000, or even 7,500 miles, running smoothly without an oil change.
However, you may want to change your car’s oil more frequently if you drive in stop-and-go city traffic frequently, if you’ve noticed a drop in your gas mileage, if you smell burning oil, or if you check your oil and it’s low or very dark colored.
Here are 3 benefits you’ll experience by getting regular oil changes on your car:
1. Improved Gas Mileage
Oil lubricates your car’s internal parts, reducing friction. A well-lubricated engine requires less effort to run properly, meaning it requires less gasoline to travel a longer distance. If you notice a drop in your car’s gas mileage, it could be that it’s time for an oil change.
Today’s newer vehicles often have dashboard displays that show how many miles per gallon your car gets at any given time, including historical averages. Learn how to access these displays and pay attention to them, as they can show you at a glance if you may have a problem that requires emergency repairs or even just regular maintenance, like an oil change.
2. Better Performance
Not only will a car offer better gas mileage after an oil change, but it will also exhibit better performance. Again, newer, cleaner engine oil provides better lubrication, reducing friction on engine parts and offering better performance – including faster acceleration and more power.
3. More Reliable Years Out of Your Vehicle
If you plan to hang onto your car for the long haul, years after the loan is paid off, as many of us do, you’ll want to make sure it runs like new even when it’s five or 10 years old. Remember, engine oil is a lubricant which helps your vehicle’s internal systems run smoothly.
As oil gets old and dirty, it doesn’t do its job as well. That’s when friction can wear down your engine’s parts, leading to engine failure and the need for expensive repairs. If you plan to keep your car, investing in an inexpensive oil change every three months or 3,000 to 5,000 miles will keep it running like new.
Not Just an Oil Change
An oil change at Xpress Lube also includes a new oil filter, new air filter, tire rotation, and a quick check of all your car’s systems and important parts. Whether you need new wiper blades or new spark plugs, we will take a look and let you know. In most cases, we can perform the maintenance or repairs on the spot. When it’s done, you can drive away knowing that your car has been examined and maintained by an expert and you should be able to enjoy thousands of miles of trouble-free transportation from your vehicle.
