Car Repair: Oil Changes Are Really Important

Most auto dealers and mechanics provide their customers with some general maintenance advice. Unfortunately, a surprising number of people do not follow their recommendations, nor do they adhere to the car maker's guidelines. While there are numerous types of general auto service, one of the most common types is the oil change. Most people know that getting routine oil changes is important, yet many still neglect to do so at the proper intervals. 

Manufacturer's manuals usually recommend a change at least once annually or after you have driven the car for 7500 miles. These suggestions are not actually ideal for the type of driving most people do. They apply to ideal conditions where the vehicle is seldom driven. On average, people spend a great deal of time driving, and their cars therefore require oil changes more often. Common driving conditions like stop-and-go traffic and frequent short trips cause the vehicle to need an oil change every 3000 miles or at least twice a year. Another car maker's recommendation that most mechanics disagree with refers to the oil filter replacement.

The manufacturer typically advises that the oil filter should be replaced during every other oil change. Realistically, this should be done at every oil change. This increased need for replacing the filter is largely due to the changes in filter design. On most new cars, the oil filter is much smaller than it used to be. Filters have been made smaller to save space, lessen cost, and lighten weight. The trade-off is that smaller filters become ineffective more quickly. The purpose of the filter is to remove contaminants from the oil before it enters the engine. The longer a filter is in use, the more likely it is to become clogged. When this happens, the oil travels through the bypass valve directly into the engine, unfiltered. The dirt and debris that the filter usually removes can have extremely damaging effects on the engine bearings and cylinder walls. The accelerated wear on these components can significantly shorten the life of the vehicle.

Some manufacturers have begun integrating Oil Life Monitor systems into their new cars and trucks. These systems monitor the engine events, such as crankcase temperature, in order to determine the useful life of the oil. These systems, along with higher quality oil, aim to lengthen the amount of time or miles a vehicle can travel between oil changes. The accepted standard of 3000 miles is now subject to more debate. Cars equipped with OLM systems give drivers an actual measurement of vehicle performance. But since the oil monitors are not available on all new cars or any old cars, the standard recommendations still exist.

Ultimately, each individual driver decides when he or she will take the car in for an oil change. There are many suggested intervals out there from many different sources. The recommendation that a driver chooses to follow should never exceed the manufacturer's proposed time frame. Another determining factor is how the car is driven. Allowing the car to warm up before stressing the engine with highway-speed driving is one way to prolong the need for an oil change. Most importantly, a driver should closely monitor how the car is performing. If it seems to be running less smoothly than normal, it is likely to need service.