An Oil Change for your Foreign Vehicle

Whether you have an economy car from Japan or a luxury sedan from Germany, it's important for every car to have an oil change regularly. It is one of the most basic maintenance tasks that all cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs need. Because it's basic, it's also one of the most affordable tasks, too. It protects your engine and the most valuable parts under the hood.

It's important to know when you need to perform an oil change. Depending on your make and model, there are different intervals the car is due for service. In general, the rule of thumb for foreign and domestic vehicles is 3 months or 3,000 miles but for most cars that's simply too often. It depends a lot on the age of the car and the oil you choose. Older cars will need more frequent oil changes. If you use synthetic oil, you can go anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 miles before you need another. If you have a high performance engine, it's suggested that you choose synthetic oil and bring it in every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.

What is true for any foreign vehicle is that if you go to long without an oil change you will damage your engine. The oil performs a number of services. It keeps the engine cool. It lubricates the working parts. It keeps the engine clean. Delays will incur extensive and expensive damage. Without enough clean oil, parts will grind up against each other and grime will build up in your engine.

An oil and filter change is a relatively quick and inexpensive service trip. Although your foreign car is unique, it is easy and simple for experienced mechanics to handle the task. Even drive through service stations that offer a 15 minute or less oil change will do the trick. If you have a mechanic you trust with your foreign car, make regular appointment to make it even quicker and easier to maintain your car.

When you have a foreign car, it is best to develop a long term relationship with a mechanic or garage that works specifically with your brand or specializes in brands made in that country. For every maintenance task and repair from an oil change to transmission repair, that will be your best resource for superior service. It is important to know that most cars are made based on the same basic technology, so if you're in a bind, all garages offering that offer oil changes can take care of your foreign or domestic car.