Oil Change: Keeping Yourself Informed

Dec 28
08:35

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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There are many things to think about when you take your car into the mechanic to get an oil change. This article will help you to make an informed decision when going in for this type of maintenance.

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Learning about your car and your options can help you make an informed decision when you go for your next oil change. In fact,Oil Change: Keeping Yourself Informed Articles learning about your car can even extend its life, making it safer for you and your family. If learning all the subtleties of your vehicle seems too difficult to undertake, keep in mind a few major points.

Understanding the everyday oil change can help you feel more comfortable when you take your car to the mechanic. With confidence, you will find it easier to voice what you want and why. Your mechanic will appreciate sharing information about your vehicle with you and you can establish a relationship with an auto shop that will last.

The everyday lube usually happens in a few steps. First, the old lubricant needs to be drained. Generally, your mechanic will have a special catch for this to keep the shop environmentally safe and to recycle the old product. Next, the old filter will be removed and a new filter put in its place. Last, quarts of new lubricant will be poured into the engine. 

If you choose to stay with your car, your mechanic may ask you some questions regarding which products you want to use. On occasion, mechanics may ask whether you want to use natural or synthetic lubricant for your car. If they ask, you may want to go with synthetic. It is proven to be easier on your engine and last longer between changes, though you will still need to have the oil filter replaced.

Once your oil change is complete, you may be asked whether you would like to have the tires on your vehicle rotated. If you have not had your tires rotated in 8,000 miles or so, and you have a front wheel drive car, then your answer should be yes. It is suggested that rotating your tires will extend the life of your tires. On a front wheel drive vehicle, the tires on the front wear at a much faster rate then the back tires. By rotating them front to back you may extend the tires' lives and keep yourself from having to buy new tires prematurely.

Finally, you may be asked about simple things like whether or not you would like the windshield wipers replaced. Keep track of the last time you replaced things like your wipers or air filter. It is not necessary to replace these regularly, but you also want to be sure they are in good working condition. Certainly, if it was a particularly wet and messy winter, replacing your wipers in spring may be a smart choice. The road salt used to melt snow can deteriorate the rubber on the windshield wipers. 

There are many things to consider when you take your car in for an oil change. Do a little research and feel confident in the decisions you make for your vehicle, and you will get the best price and service possible.