Change Oil to Extend the Life of Your Automobile
Change your oil! That's the message I hear from my friends and family, and it's a good one. It makes sense:The oil in your car is a lubricant, keeping all its moving parts from grinding against each other.
As that stuff gets slick with age, you need to change it before everything starts to seize up.
But what if you're not sure when exactly is the right time? Is there any difference between changing your oil every 3,000 miles or waiting until 5,000 miles?
Yes! No matter how much you know about cars (or how little), this guide will help answer all your questions about when and how often you should change the oil in your vehicle.
It's a no-brainer to change your oil regularly, and you can do it yourself or hire a mechanic.
Here's why: Oil keeps your engine running smoothly, but it needs to be changed more frequently than you think—the general recommendation is every 3,000 miles (4,828 km).Your car will let you know when it's time for an oil change because the engine light will come on.
-This happens because there are particles in your oil that would otherwise get filtered out as the engine runs through its cycle.
When enough particles build up in the filter, they cause an error code and turn on that light. It may seem counterintuitive, but this light means something good: It means your vehicle is telling you that it needs some TLC.
When should I change my oil? Check out these guidelines to see how often others have been changing their own vehicles' oils:
- Most cars require 5W30 synthetic blend motor oils (or 10W30 if your manufacturer recommends SAE 5W20 or SAE 5W30), but not all vehicles need synthetic blends. Check with your owner’s manual before purchasing any type of motor oil.
- Some newer engines don’t require any type of motor oil, instead opting for detergent-based additives.
- If unsure whether or not yours does, just ask before buying anything.
You don't have to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles anymore.
That's right. The old rule of thumb that you should change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles is no longer applicable.Instead, you should check the owner's manual for specific recommendations and follow these guidelines:
- If you drive less than 5,000 miles per year or mainly in stop-and-go traffic (such as urban driving), consider changing the oil after 5,000 miles or six months of driving time (whichever comes first).
- If you drive more than 10,000 miles per year on a mixture of highways and local roads, average about 25 mpg or more for city driving and 30 mpg or more for highway driving.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for when to change your oil.
Changing your car's oil should be relatively straightforward, but you must know precisely how often it needs to be done.Numerous factors determine when to change your car's oil, including the make and model of the vehicle and how you drive it.
If you're unsure whether your car requires an oil change at any given time, consult a mechanic or look in its owner's manual for information on oil change intervals.
You'll save money by changing your oil.
It's cheaper than having a mechanic do it, and you can save even more money by buying your filter and oil.You'll also be able to do it yourself, which means no waiting in line or finding a babysitter for your kids while you go to the auto shop. If you're not mechanically inclined, don't worry:
It's not as complicated as people think, and plenty of auto mechanic videos to show you how to do it properly.
If there is any part of this process that doesn't make sense or seems too complicated for you, talk with a trained mechanic who might be able to help out with some parts of the job.
Chat with a mechanic online
If your car is giving you any trouble and you have questions about how often you need to change the oil, don't hesitate to consult an online mechanic.They'll be able to help guide you through the process of changing your oil and answer any questions you might have about car maintenance.
Online mechanics usually cost less than a mechanic in person, making them an excellent option for those on a budget or who want to save money on auto repair work.
In addition, many professional mechanics can diagnose problems remotely, saving time and money on unnecessary trips back and forth between home and shop.
Changing the oil in your car is not that hard, but there are considerations to ensure you do the right thing for your vehicle and get it done correctly.
The first thing to consider is whether you want to do it yourself or pay someone else. Changing your own oil is easy if you are mechanically inclined and have the right tools. However, if not, then a professional auto repair shop may be more appropriate.
The second consideration is what type of oil should be used in your car. Every vehicle has different requirements, so ensure you get the right one for your car and always check with the manufacturer before purchasing any new components.
The next step is how much oil should be purchased to complete a total changeover. Too much mustn’t be used as this will lead to unnecessary waste and cost.
On top of this, many factors influence how many quarts are required, such as size/model/age, etc.
So just make sure not less than recommended by going over slightly rather than underdoing it.
Changing your oil is not hard, but there are some considerations for doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
If you are unsure whether your car needs an oil change, ask a mechanic online about what type of vehicle yours is and how often it should get its oil changed.
Read more about how to tell if there is Coolant In Oil.