Getting a regular oil change is essential to keeping a car running, but do you know why? Read on to learn just why this type of maintenance is so important!
We all know that getting a regular oil change is essential to the healthy functioning of a car,
but do you know why? This is probably the most important bit of auto maintenance. Changing the oil regularly keeps your engine running smoothly.
Why Is The Oil Change So Important?
Basically, motor oil acts as lubricant for your car's engine. If you don't get it changed, the parts of your engine will rub together, causing friction. This friction will wear down your engine and cause your vehicle to overheat more often. In the long term, this friction can cause serious damage to the parts of your engine, as they rub together and gradually wear down.
It also acts to remove impurities. When lubricant gets old, sludge and chemicals build up. These are often flushed out of the car's system, but they can build up and contaminate the engine if they can't be removed. It can also cause the problem of things getting clogged. This means that getting it changed can keep your engine running clean and keep its parts from corroding. Also, if it gets really dirty, you'll have to have it cleaned at the garage, and this means added car repair costs.
How Often Should I Change My Car's Oil?
Most owners' manuals say that you should change the motor oil every 7,500 miles. If you drive a lot, you should get it changed more often. For instance, if you drive your car for work or make a lot of cross country trips, you should consider it every 5-6,000 miles.
Of course, getting it done more often is great for your car. You can extend the life of your vehicle and motor by getting it done more frequently than recommended. Just don't let a scheduled oil change slip by; these are very important for your car's health.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Oil Change
When you get it changed, make sure they also change the filter. Most garages will do this automatically. It's very important for helping to remove the impurities in the engine. Just as with changing out the oil, you can get the filter replaced more often if you'd like. This will help prolong the life of your car.
A great way to keep tabs on things is to check the motor oil level in your car often. Optimally, this should be done every time you stop for gas. You remove the dipstick, wipe it, then reinsert it. This time when you pull it out, it will tell you the oil level. It should be between two indicators that mean "too little" or "too much." As long as it falls in that range, you're okay. If it's below, you need to put more in, so it's a good idea to keep a quart of engine oil in your car at all times, but don't think this will necessitate the need for a full-on oil replacement.
Getting a regular oil change is vital to keeping your car running smoothly. It can also help to prolong the life of your car. While it may be a pain-in-the-neck bit of maintenance, the long term results of checking each time you get gas and having it changed every 7,500 miles far outweigh the hassle by keeping your car running better longer.
