When To Use Oil Change Coupons, Birmingham

Vehicles have changed a great deal in recent years. Hybrid cars, more fuel efficient upgrades and even oil filters have changed. Some technicians now advise that you may not need an oil change as often as you think, but this doesn't really apply to all vehicles on the road today. The best way to find out if your model needs more frequent oil changes or less is to consult your manual or speak to your mechanic. However, for most, the old standard of 3 months/3,000 miles still holds true.

If you do a lot of highway driving or if you have to stop often, you may need to have an oil change more frequently than the recent articles around may suggest. Also, the type of oil filter you have will determine a great deal in terms of when you need to do this. Some are smaller and therefore will require more frequent tune ups, others are larger and may not require it so often. While some believe that less frequent maintenance saves money, it does not really save you much money if you end up with an engine failure.

It is usually fairly inexpensive to get an oil change. Well known auto repair shops in your local area can help with this, or you might visit a chain. Either way, both options hire certified technicians who will give you an assessment of your situation and help you to decide when these are needed based on your own vehicle and its use. When you do have a regular mechanic or technician you work with, this helps because they will get to know your driving habits and can better serve you this way. Ultimately, routine maintenance helps you to avoid more costly repairs in the long run, and extends your engine's life.

Whenever you stop to get gas is a great time to check your lubricant levels. In order to do this, simply pull the dipstick out and have a look. If it's obvious you need more, then it's time to go in for a replacement. Making sure that your vehicle has enough lubricant is key to keeping it from issues with overheating and using too much fuel. It can also prevent a great deal of damage not only to the engine, but other components that this fluid protects. Keeping to regularly scheduled tune ups is also important because other fluid levels will be checked at this time, and this can be a great way to keep you on the road without further costly repairs.

You might also look at the fluid's color and texture. Fluids that need replacing are often very dark and thick, containing debris and other contaminants. This means that your lubricant has been doing its job, but when it gets old, replacing it is important so that it doesn't begin to work against your engine. Newer lubricant, replaced as often as needed is the best way to make sure that your engine is working properly and not being damaged in the process.