Motorists have long been told about the importance of an oil change. Here are some do’s and don’ts regarding the procedure.
An oil change is a relatively simple car maintenance task that should be performed on a regular basis. Just how important is this automotive chore? Well,
most drivers have been told since they were old enough to get behind the wheel of the necessity for a regular oil change. It’s true that the car’s longevity can be greatly extended if driven with pure, unsoiled lubricants. Here are some do’s and don’ts to think about:
- DO read your owner’s manual to find out what the manufacturers’ recommendations are. Some vehicles need to have the fluids changed every 3,000 miles while others are fine with 5,000 miles or more between servicing.
- DON’T forget that certain driving conditions may cause the frequency requirement to be altered one way or the other. Examples may include heavy duty operation, toting trailers or other heavy loads, living in regions that have excessive hot or cold temperatures, mountain driving or daily commutes in heavy traffic.
- DO check your fluid levels on a regular basis. It’s important to monitor the levels regularly. If an engine is losing oil, this issue needs to be explored. Problems may be occurring that are causing the excess use. Big mechanical troubles will occur if it completely runs out.
- DO stop the engine when checking levels. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off, then replace it. Now count to ten and pull it out again to read. This will give a more accurate assessment than just pulling it out once.
- DON’T forget to set the emergency brake when performing this task by yourself. Putting bricks, chocks or blocks behind the tires will keep the automobile from sliding while you’re under it.
- DON’T wear clothes you care about to perform this task. Oily residue is quite difficult to get out with traditional laundry soap. Even if most of it comes out, a telltale darkened spot on the fabric will likely remain.
- DON’T change fluids with a cold engine: If you’re going to do this job yourself, warm your car up before beginning.
- DO consider using synthetics or blends of petroleum with synthetics. These products can increase time span between changes if used properly.
- DON’T believe everything you hear about oil additives depending on the source. These are often gimmicks designed to generate cash for the salesperson but do little for the performance of your sedan, truck or SUV.
- DON’T forget to ask about the training of the technician. Although this is one of the simpler automotive tasks, the tech should still be well trained and competent. If this chore is botched up by a clueless tech, mechanical problems can occur that will be quite expensive to repair.
- DO take your car into a shop owned by a local businessperson. Local owners who live in the neighborhood care about their fellow townsfolk and community, and in giving them business, you are keeping money within the community and contributing to the progress of your area.
- DO jog your memory in some way in order to stay on track. Stickers on the windshield, a note on your calendar or reminder card from the shop will all do the trick.
When it’s time to have an oil change, get it done on schedule. Whether it’s a DIY job or taken to the shop, timeliness is important, and that's the bottom line.
