If you want to keep your vehicle in good working condition, you should undoubtedly maintain your routine oil change schedule. Investing in regular oil changes improves the overall performance of your car’s engine. If you let the oil sit for too long, it will break down over time, enter your engine, and cause significant damage. Hiring a professional mechanic to check and replace your oil ensures you get the job done right.
Your engine can eventually break down if you do not change your oil regularly. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about oil changes. Let’s dive in!
Everything You Need to Know About Oil Changes
Let’s take a look at the most crucial information every car owner should know about oil changes:
1. When Do I Need to Check My Oil Levels?
Keep a close eye on your automobile’s oil level. Even newer cars may require oil top-offs between oil changes. At least once a month, check your car’s oil level. If you notice a leak, you should undoubtedly get your automobile checked as soon as possible. If you don’t know how to check your oil, you can swing by your local auto repair shop for a quick inspection. Your mechanic will also check the color of your oil. Healthy, quality automobile oil should be dark or black in appearance. However, if your oil seems light and milky, there could be coolant leaking into your engine. If you have any issues with the color or levels of your automobile oil, contact a reliable mechanic immediately to address the issue.
2. When Do I Need to Change My Oil?
How often it is recommended to change your oil varies from one mechanic to another and one vehicle manufacturer to another. While some companies advise changing the oil when it changes colors, others suggest routine oil changes every three months or three thousand miles. Luckily, almost all automobiles now feature service reminder monitors that warn the drivers when their oil needs to be changed or refilled. These systems generally monitor the number of miles a car has traveled. If you receive a dashboard warning, you need to schedule an appointment immediately for an oil change.
3. What Type of Oil Does My Vehicle Need?
Many people wonder whether it’s better to use synthetic or traditional oil for their oil changes. Because many modern engines have incredibly tight connections between moving components, ultra-thin oil is best. Synthetic oil has numerous benefits for vehicles due to its exceptionally low viscosity. You should always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the best oil for your car. If your vehicle comes with synthetic oil, you should continue using this type of oil to maintain the integrity of your engine. So, what if your engine comes with traditional oil?
Of course, you can switch to synthetic oil, but once you do so, it’s recommended you continue using this oil to get the best results for your engine.
4. Why Are Routine Oil Changes So Important?
Regularly changing your oil maintains the efficiency of your engine. This is because motor oil lubricates your engine’s moving components, preventing damage and ensuring smooth operation. Failing to change your oil regularly can lead to significant damage to your engine. If you need a reliable and affordable Riverside auto repair shop, we’re here to help!