Oil Change - Switching To Synthetic

Apr 7
09:07

2012

Antoinette Ayana

Antoinette Ayana

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The next time you take your vehicle in for an oil change, you should consider making the switch to synthetic lubricant. Learn more about this advanced vehicle lubricant by reading on.

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One of the most important regular maintenance checks that needs to be completed on a vehicle is checking your lubricant levels. You may wish to have a professional take care of this task,Oil Change - Switching To Synthetic Articles but it is incredibly easy to do yourself with no tools or expertise necessary. Just simply pop your hood and look for the dipstick. You can consult your owner's manual, but it is very easy to find. Remove the stick and check for color and quantity. Depending on your vehicle, a healthy lubricant level will be higher than an inch or so and be a rich, amber color. If you see dark particles or a particularly dark coloring, it may be necessary to go for an oil change.

There are two major types of motor lubricants. Traditional petroleum-based lubricants are still the most popular on the market today; however, newer synthetic-based lubricants are becoming more and more popular. There is a good reason for this increase in popularity. The increased performance and long life of synthetic lubricants make them worth a slightly higher initial price. Many people balk at paying more than their usual amount during a regular oil change, but over the long term, it has been shown to be a sensible investment.

There are many how-to guides available online for almost every kind of manufacturer, make, and model, and they are easy to follow for laymen. If this is not the route for you, then remember this important advice. Lubricants do not need to be replaced every three thousand miles, as is normally recommended by garages and mechanics. The so-called "Myth of the 3,000" has become less and less accurate over recent years. Most engines produced since 2000 have been rated for lubricant replacement around seven thousand miles, and some may even be able to travel twenty thousand miles and still not need that kind of maintenance.

Choosing a synthetic lubricant at your next oil change can be beneficial by extended that manufacturer recommendation ever further. Most modern vehicle self-monitoring systems are very effective at measuring the quality and levels of motor lubricants. Sometimes, however the estimates are more cautious than they need to be, so be sure to check your oil levels and quality yourself with the dipstick method mentioned earlier.

Besides the increased lubricant life associated with synthetic materials, there are many other benefits. Improved engine efficiency and lubricants that do not degrade due to cold temperatures are among them. Longer engine life can also be experienced, as the lubricant reduces the "sludging" that is associated with traditional petroleum-based products. A cleaner lubricant will keep the engine in your vehicle running efficiently for a much longer period of time, reducing engine wear and tear and your current and future maintenance costs.

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