An Oil Change at a High Altitudes

High altitudes affect a lot of things. Everyone knows that cooking and baking has to be adjusted. Exercise and health care can also get interesting when you're high up. High altitude can also affect your car's engine. Everything from the carburetor to the O2 sensor has to be monitored in high altitudes. Monitoring the affects of high altitude on your vehicle can help lengthen the life of your vehicle and keep your maintenance costs down.

So, what about the oil change? There are certain things we do know are definitely affected by high altitudes. Most people believe that an engine of any type has to work harder in mountainous regions. Of course for automobile engines, this can be due to the nature of the terrain. For all engines, the thin air of levels of five, six and even twelve thousand feet about sea level means that they have to work harder to produce the same amount of power.

Many people disagree about whether or not this means you need to get more frequent lubes done on your vehicle. The idea is that the same amounts of oils are being used regardless of whether or not you and your car are at high altitudes. You are not necessarily burning through lubricant faster by driving in regular traffic at high above sea level situations.

If you are expecting your vehicle to perform in very steep, mountainous regions, you may see an increase in the frequency of the oil change. Requiring your vehicle to perform rigorously in thin air and cold temperatures takes a lot of from the engine. The more energy expended the more need it has for lubricant. Check with the manufacturer to see if there is any recommendation on the way your vehicle should perform in higher climates.

In fact, checking with your manufacturer is a good place to start to learn more about your engine's performance and need for the occasional oil change. You may find that in order for your car to be at its optimal performance level in your climate, you should be having the lubricant changed every three thousand miles. You may find that five thousand miles is the amount prescribed for your vehicle.

Something else that you may come across when checking with your car's manufacturer is that you should be using a specific type of lubricant in your vehicle. There are some oils that perform better in high altitudes. These lubricants should be the top choice for vehicles that are regularly driven in mountainous regions and higher-level terrains.

If you still aren't sold on whether or not you need to be more conscious of vehicle maintenance just because you're living in Colorado or another mountain state, check with your car dealership. Your dealer will be able to tell you the general thinking on vehicles like yours and what you should expect as far as maintenance costs. And, when you stop by to chat, have them do an oil change while you're waiting!