In the U.S., Toyota is one of the most popular car brands. Consumers love Toyota for its durability, efficiency, and reliability. Even though Toyota makes a great car, it’s essential you perform routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Most car owners understand this necessity, but often delay servicing. When you need a Toyota oil change, stop by Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
All Cars Require Periodic Maintenance
All vehicles require periodic maintenance to keep them running efficiently. One of the most important servicing tasks is to change the oil. Engine oil performs several important functions:
1. Lubrication
Surfaces, even if they appear smooth, are rough at a microscopic level. In a car engine, metal parts move snagging against the jagged surfaces slowing down motion. A lubricant, like motor oil, acts as a cushion smoothing the bumps and lowering the level of resistance.
2. Reduces Friction
Friction is the force of one solid object resisting motion over another solid object. Engine oil reduces this resistance so that parts slide past one another. An increase in friction from dirty oil will require more power to move parts thus lowering your car’s fuel efficiency.
3. Cools
As motor oil circulates through the engine, it picks up some of the heat produced by the combustion process. The oil releases this heat into the air when it reaches the oil pan.
4. Cleans
The combustion process produces byproducts. As oil circulates, it picks up some of these contaminants. Without oil, this dirt would quickly form large deposits blocking passages and hindering engine performance.
Recommendations For A Toyota Oil Change
Over time, exposure to high heat and oxygen can degrade your oil. As motor oil degrades, it forms a thick sludgy compound. Additionally, your oil will become saturated with engine contaminants. When this happens, your engine oil can’t perform its many tasks properly.
For example, sludgy oil loses its viscosity or ability to flow. Now engine parts must work harder to move the oil through the system. Plus, friction will increase due to reduced oil circulation. Ultimately, engine parts will wear faster and your engine may even overheat.
So, how often should you perform a Toyota oil change? Typically, this depends on the year of your car and the type of driving you do. Before 2010, Toyota used conventional oil for its engines. After this time, the company switched to using synthetic oil.
Today’s high-performance engines demand a lubricant that flows faster to critical parts. Comparatively, synthetic oil is very different from conventional. Synthetic oil has a chemically engineered formulation and special additives to meet the demands of modern cars.
Generally, Toyotas with the model year of 2009 or earlier can use conventional oil. For these automobiles, you should change your oil about every 5,000 miles. If your vehicle is a 2010 model or later, you’ll need synthetic oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer allowing you to drive 7,500 to 10,000 miles before changing it. However, certain driving conditions may necessitate changing it sooner:
Remember, it’s always important to follow your manufacturer’s guidelines in your owner’s manual. A failure to follow the specific recommendations for your vehicle may void your warranty.
Toyota Oil Change – FAQs
Do you have some questions about oil changes for your automobile? We’d be happy to answer any of your servicing questions. Give us a call at 336-993-7697 and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you. Below, we answer a few frequently asked questions about oil changes.
How Can I Tell If I Need An Oil Change Before Reaching The Mileage Milestone?
Checking the mileage since your last oil change is one way to know if you’re due for another one. However, you’ll need to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible if you observe any of these signs:
- Unusual sounds coming from the engine
- Dashboard oil indicator light illuminates
- Dark, thick, or dirty oil
- A bad smell
- Low oil level
Can I Change The Oil Without Changing The Filter?
The filter traps the dirt oil picks up as it circulates through the engine. Over time, the filter becomes saturated with dirt. A clogged oil filter can cause many problems that you can avoid by changing the filter with every oil change.
Is It Ok To Use Synthetic Oil Even If My Car Manufacturer Recommends Conventional?
Yes, you can. Synthetic oil offers some great benefits. It can withstand higher temperatures, flows better in cold temperatures, and resists chemical degradation better than conventional oil. Your engine will also stay cleaner as synthetic oil resists sludge formation. Plus, it lasts longer allowing you longer intervals between oil changes. However, it is more expensive than conventional oil.
Not sure if synthetic oil is your best option? Call Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-993-7697. One of our team members will be happy to discuss the best option for your automobile.
Where Is The Best Place To Get An Oil Change?
For over 25 years, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has been maintaining and servicing both foreign and domestic vehicles. We want to keep you on the road and out of the garage. So, when you visit us for an oil change, we’ll also do a courtesy check on the following items:
- Engine air filter
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
We’ll also review your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing and maintaining your vehicle. You’ll find our staff friendly, knowledgeable, and dependable.
Make your appointment today for an oil change by using our convenient, online form.
