10 Oil Change Musts

Everyone knows how important the oil change is in automotive preventative maintenance. Scheduled replacements should be adhered to with extreme regularity. Just how often the lubricant needs to be changed will depend on the make, model and year of the vehicle as well as the conditions under which it is driven. Here are 10 Must-Do’s to remember:

1) Filters must be changed regularly, too. Oil and filter should be changed at the same time.
2) If you are a do-it-yourselfer, make sure the car is warmed up before performing this task. A warmed up car will aid in the cleaning process. Did you know that deposits of crud sink out of the suspension of a cold engine? If the process is done while an engine is cold, proper cleanout may not occur.
3) Dipstick should be monitored on a regular basis. If the automobile’s losing more oil than it should, this is a red flag that something is amiss. If this isn’t addressed and the well runs dry, huge repair bills await.
4) To check a dipstick, pull it out and wipe off the fluid. Replace it and wait half a minute. Now pull it out again and take a reading. This wipe and replace method will give a more accurate reading than just pulling it out and checking.
5) Certain conditions will alter the frequency needs of an oil change. Heavy use such as mountain road driving, extreme hot or cold climate, toting trailers, lugging cargo or stop-and-go heavy traffic during daily commutes are considered heavy usage. These situations will cause the lube to break down more readily.
6) A car can last 6 to 7 times longer with proper maintenance. An average automobile can cost $15,000 or more. That’s a huge outlay of cash. Don’t you want your $15,000 to transport you for as long as possible?
7) Motor lubricant comes in various grades and weights. Check your owners’ manual to find out what is right for your car. Make certain that you take the right type off the shelf when purchasing it. There are non-detergent lubricants for yard tools and carpentry saws sitting on the store shelves that look identical. Don’t pick up one of these incorrect twins by accident.
8) Changes should be performed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles on average. In the old days, 3,000 miles was the hard and fast rule. This has changed today as car manufacturers have redesigned the mechanical systems to require fewer servicing replacements.
9) Best filter you can buy will be worth the money: A filter is a wonderful tool for sifting out grime and debris. The highest quality filters will perform the best.
10) Whether a DIYer or a motor vehicle owner who takes their car to the shop for service, this preventative task is by far one of the simplest and most important.

An oil change is a crucial step in keeping a sedan, truck or SUV running smoothly for many years. Mark your calendars and make sure to get it performed promptly.