Do Not Neglect Your Oil Change

The usual oil change will include replacing the old lubricant and filter, but also draining and disposal of both. This has not changed much over the years and most new cars work just the same way the older cars did in terms of how it's done. There are however, quite a few new changes that have happened in respect to the filters. The most common is the type that is made from a metal canister and spins both off and on the engine. The actual filter is inside of this spinning canister. Another you will see fairly frequently is mounted internally. They usually sit in a container near the engine and only that filtering element will be replaced. What is the best way to know just what kind of filter you have? Check your owner's manual. Not only will it tell you what kind, but how much capacity it has as well as torque specifications.

When an oil change is done, safety in disposal is usually one of the most important issues. It is illegal to dump your used lubricants and they have to be disposed of properly. When you have your maintenance done at a shop or franchise, they have specialized processes in order so that it is disposed of properly and within the bounds of the law in that area. You can usually get this work done at a quick lube service, your dealership, or even a general repair shop. Depending on where you take it, the cost can vary but it's usually not that costly. If you want the work done faster, there are a multitude of places around that can have you in and out in no time, but will also make sure that all the other basics are in order.

Having your oil change done at some place other than the dealership typically will not void your warranty. Your manufacturer's guide will let you know how they want it done, how often and other issues, but typically as long as the service is performed correctly and the recommended filter and lubricant are used: you should be just fine. Always keep your receipts from routine maintenance, particularly when your car is still under warranty so that you have proof that you have been doing as you should. You will also find how often and under what conditions the manufacturer expects you to perform these tasks, and you should act accordingly.

Routine maintenance is a fact of car and truck ownership that you cannot ignore, particularly when it comes to lubricants. Though many people will feel they are saving some money- in the long run, when you tally up what you've "saved" versus the repair costs from neglecting these small tune ups, you'll often find that it just does not balance out. It's best to think on tune-ups as a sort of "cheap insurance policy" for your vehicle. Taking care of it on a regular basis will help prevent from having to tackle bigger repair jobs, or worse: engine failure that will mean total replacement of your vehicle.