Oil Change: How To Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

In order to have your vehicle running smoothly, there are a many steps you can take to keep it regularly maintained. The easiest step, and perhaps the most important, is an oil change. Not keeping your car properly lubed can lead to your engine being destroyed. That is a high price to pay for forgetting a simple and routine task. Here are a few ways you can check your oil and know when to have it replaced.

First, without even setting foot in a car garage, you can check your own levels. In order to ensure you are getting the most accurate reading, make sure your engine is cold or hasn’t run for a couple of hours. Also, have your car parked on a level surface. Then, find the hood release under the dashboard and pull it in order to open the hood. Once the hood is up, search for the dipstick. This is a long, thin piece of metal, located near the engine. It will most likely be brightly colored, and have a loop at the end so you can easily pull it out. With a rag in the other hand, pull out the dipstick in its entirety.

Now, with the dipstick entirely out, use the rag to wipe the substance completely off. After it has been cleaned, replace the rod back into the hole from which you pulled it. Make sure you have pushed all the way back in. Now pull it back out and hold it horizontally in front of you. Look at the pointy end of the dipstick. There is a line on dipsticks that say “Full”. If the mark on the dipstick is lower than the “Full” line, you can add more. Some gauges have 2 lines etched in to the metal instead of saying “Full”. If this is the case, make sure the oil reaches the middle space in between each line.

To add it, open the screw cap that will usually be marked “Engine Oil,” which will reveal a 3-inch opening. Add the substance in small amounts, frequently checking the dipstick again. It is safer to add small quantities many times, rather than putting in too much and needing to remove it. Now you can see if your oil is at the right level. Next, you need to know if it needs to be changed.

When should you get a change? Most manufacturers and dealers recommend to have it changed within 3 months or 3000 miles, whichever occurs first. This is a guideline that errs on the safe side, and it also easy to remember. Once 3 months have passed, or 3000 miles have been driven, take your car to the dealer or local shop. Also, when checking your levels, look at the color of the fluid. If it is still good, one should be able to see through it, and it will also have an amber color. If it needs to be replaced, it will appear black or darker in color. If this is the case make sure it is changed to avoid engine damage.

These are simple, routine checkups you can do on your engine’s lube to ensure that your car will run smoothly and as long as possible. Without a regular oil change, you may look forward to replacing an engine soon!