Oil Change: Basic Maintenance Still Required

Automobiles have undergone a dramatic transformation over this past decade. They are now built with lighter materials, shaped more aerodynamically, and are increasingly fuel-efficient. And they're luxurious as never before with numerous bells and whistles that are now standard features, including heated seats and surround sound stereo systems. But one basic function remains the same as it has over the past few decades - every 3,000 miles an oil change needs to be performed on the car.

A car, truck, or SUV built today will be vastly differ in both appearance and operation than its former model of yesteryear. Automobile designers are opting for lighter materials for the bodies in their designs to create a sleek, stylish, and aerodynamic vehicle, because this shape not only improves wind resistance, but is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. With buyers demanding that vehicles be able to maximize miles per gallon, pass emissions tests, and run faster (while requiring less trips to the gas station), auto manufacturers are looking at every possibility to improve on last year's model. "Fuel efficient" and "luxurious" are the words manufacturers are striving to have applied to their next car that rolls off the assembly line.

To achieve the goal of optimal fuel efficiency, the new engine design requires a downsizing of the oil filter, which translates to an oil change being completed-- on schedule-- every 3,000 miles as this is of the utmost importance. The new engines use a full-flow filtration system, so a new filter must be installed with every oil change, unlike engines of the past that could operate for 6,000 miles on the same filter. With full-flow filtration, all of the oil moves through the filter prior to entering the crankshaft bearings then moving beyond throughout the rest of the engine, so a clean filter is required to achieve maximum performance.

It is a bit ironic that with all the advances made by the auto industry, it is still the oil change that remains one of the most vital, and inexpensive, ways to protect the heart of the vehicle, the engine. Every 3,000 miles, a visit to the service station to have an oil change and a check of all the other basic functions, is still one of the best investments a driver can make. Ask the technician to evaluate these items:

-Transmission fluid level

-Powering steering fluid

-Windshield washer and blades

-Anti freeze / coolant levels

-Tire pressure is adequate, neither over inflated, nor too low

-The cleanliness of the air filter

-Serpentine belt

-Headlights and brake lights are operational (will help to avoid a ticket being issued)

Regular upkeep and maintenance carried out by a trusted mechanic provides the necessary protection to the engine, and helps to avoid costly repairs in the future. When a car receives the recommended checks on fluids, belts, oil change, and filters, and they are replaced or replenished when needed, it is possible to accumulate 100,000 miles before major parts will need to be repaired or replaced.

A customer should choose a certified, licensed, and insured mechanic to do the work on their vehicle, one who is competitively priced with other businesses in the community, and has a reputation for doing the work right the first time.

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