Oil Change Tips and Advice

An oil change is a procedure that involves replacing the lubricant currently found in a vehicle’s engine. The purpose of the lubrication is to make sure that there is no friction in the engine when it is being used. It serves as a platform that prevents the clash of metal to metal parts. In spite of this purpose, the time comes when the lubrication being used becomes sludgy or dirty due to the constant movement and use of the metal parts of the machine. This time is when it should be changed. The process of the replacement is not particularly difficult nor is it long with the use of the right tools. The procedure requires the replacement of the filter as well.

The Procedure

The oil change process basically comes around when the said substance becomes too thick and sludgy that it does not perform its proper function to the best of its ability. Vehicle manufacturers usually recommend a 3000 mile mark before car owners bring the vehicle for the replacement process. Sometimes, the mark or the limit comes in terms of time instead of mileage, which is three months. Recent developments have extended the mark to six months or once every year with the use of synthetic material. Of course, usage may be the deciding factor towards when it is necessary.

The procedure starts with the draining of the used substance from the engine. The engine block which houses the lubricant has a drain plug at the bottom which is released when it is time to drain it. Most mechanics flush the engine to make sure that any debris or thickened parts are taken out. The oil change procedure takes up to a few hours to finish depending on the efficiency of the technician or mechanic. With the right tools and gadgets, the process may be finished in around an hour.

After draining the engine block, it may be flushed to make sure that it is clean, in a sense. The filter is taken out during this time. When all is as clean as one can expect the machine to be, the new filter is put in, the drain plug is set and the new substance is filled into the engine. The amount needed is dependent on what kind of engine the vehicle has but usually it may be around four to five liters.

When all is finished, experts recommend starting the car and letting it idle for a few minutes in order to encourage the new substance to go around the engine. This is essential to warming it up and letting it coat the inside of the machine. The oil change procedure is highly encouraged by mechanics and technicians in order to protect the machine from friction. Many recommend using synthetic lubricants in order to prolong the procedure since this substance takes longer to cloud and thicken compared to the regular ones. The synthetic material is basically more expensive than regular but the difference may be taken away because synthetic extends the mark of the oil change procedure up to six months or even a year.