How much do you rely on your car? Most likely it is quite a bit, right? Whether you realize it or not, your car is a crucial part of your life. You use it to get to and from work and maybe take the kids to school. You use it to run errands, for shopping, and a hundred other things. The bottom line is that you count on your car. But what you may not recognize is that your car is also counting on you.
Being a car owner is a responsibility that you should not take lightly, and there are certain things you need to do. Regular maintenance is extremely important. If you want to be able to depend on your car when you need it, a periodic oil change is vital. Here are answers to common questions about oil changes.
Why is an Oil Change Necessary?
Oil is put in cars for lubrication purposes. To make sure all of those moving parts in your engine do their job properly, they have to be lubricated. Old oil just does not work as well. It becomes dirty and the essential additives evaporate. Over time, contaminants can form in the crankcase, which will corrode metal parts. In addition, water begins to accumulate, and that leads to sludge. If you have not had an oil change in a while, your car just is not running at optimal levels. And if you wait too long, you could be putting your engine at risk for a breakdown.
How Often Do I Need to Get an Oil Change?
It is generally recommended that drivers get an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, in certain circumstances, it may be wise to get an oil change as often as every 1,000 miles. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving and take many short trips on a daily basis, it is more likely that sludge will build up in the engine. This is why a more frequent oil change is prudent. In addition, if you do a lot of towing or drive an older car, your new oil may not last as long. Driving in hot temperatures is another reason to get an earlier oil change. Newer cars don’t require an oil change as often, so it’s best to discuss the type of driving that you do with one of our professionals and they will recommend the best schedule for your car, climate and driving conditions.
What Kind of Oil Should I Be Using?
Different vehicles require different types of oil. You can just check your owner’s manual to find out which is best for your car. Or, when you bring your car in for an oil change, just ask the mechanic. They will be able to immediately tell you and they can also give you recommendations on what you should be using to extend the life of your car.
Has it been a while since your last oil change? Just drive on down to Xpress Lube. We will get your car in quickly, replace that old oil, and get you back out on the road. Your car does not ask a lot of you, so make sure you give it what it needs.
