The Oil Change: Prolonging The Life of Your Car

While there are certain pieces of car maintenance you can get away without doing, an oil change is not one of them. It is usually not a good idea to take shortcuts when it comes to your vehicle’s maintenance. When you do take your car in, don’t cheap out in the name of saving a few bucks. For instance, using synthetic oil, even though it is a bit more expensive, can do wonders when it comes to helping your car run well. Keep in mind that some manufacturers do not recommend the synthetic variety so you should consult your manual just to be sure. If the shop you take it to doesn’t offer you a choice when it comes to the type of lubricant you use, they are probably going to use a good grade and brand.

Of course, everyone that gets behind the wheel has heard the gold standard of getting an oil change every 3,000 miles. If you have a car that is newer than 2005 or so, however, you probably don’t need to take it in that often. Every 5,000 or 6,000 miles should be sufficient and certain makes and models can go even longer than that. You want to be certain, however, so, again, check the manual for specific instructions.

Once you are sure of the manufacturer’s recommendations, follow them exactly. Don’t try to get away with another 2,000 miles or another couple of months. You never know when you might go just a bit too long, and you could wind up with engine sludge, which can cause a host of problems for your car. While getting an oil change too often can result in a bit of wasted time and money, it is a much better alternative to not getting it changed often enough. If your driving requirements are far from typical (for example, you drive a lot in inclement weather conditions), you might need to adjust the recommendations to fit your lifestyle.

When it comes to finding a place to take your car for an oil change, the quick job places are usually okay, as long as they have a good reputation. Avoid taking your car to a place where they insist on trying to sell you on every service they offer ever time you walk in the door, unless you enjoy being hassled. At the same time, some services that go along with the process are necessary and good for your vehicle, so don’t exclude them out of hand, either.