5 Reasons Why Oil Changes Are Important
If you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, following the correct oil change interval is crucial, as well as cost-effective. Too often it seems, auto shops will see vehicles with dirty and damaged engines because the drivers exceed the mileage interval. Engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than regular oil changes.
Consider these five Q & A’s about oil changes:
- What does oil do for your engine? Oil lubricates the engine so that its parts don’t grind against each other; keeps the engine from overheating; and carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog engine parts.
- How often should you change the oil? The oil change intervals vary depending on the age of the vehicle, the type of oil used, and driving conditions. It used to be normal to change oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If your engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, you may go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
- Should you rely on the dashboard warning light? Some vehicles have the dashboard light programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. Particularly in older cars, that light might not come on until your engine is already too low on oil so don’t rely on the dashboard light but stick to a regular schedule. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation listed in your owner’s manual.
- Is viscosity important? The viscosity codes (for example, 10W-40) tell you how viscous (thick or thin) the oil is in hot and cold weather. For most cars, the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual will state the viscosity preferred for your car in particular driving conditions.
- Are there differences between conventional, premium, and synthetic oils? Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines typically use conventional oils. Premium oils offer extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. And there are blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils, often used for trucks and SUVs. Ask your mechanic for recommendations on what is best for your vehicle.
Need to know more why oil changes are important? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about our oil change services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
If you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, following the correct oil change interval is crucial, as well as cost-effective. Too often it seems, auto shops will see vehicles with dirty and damaged engines because the drivers exceed the mileage interval. Engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than regular oil changes.
Consider these five Q & A’s about oil changes:
- What does oil do for your engine? Oil lubricates the engine so that its parts don’t grind against each other; keeps the engine from overheating; and carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog engine parts.
- How often should you change the oil? The oil change intervals vary depending on the age of the vehicle, the type of oil used, and driving conditions. It used to be normal to change oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If your engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, you may go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
- Should you rely on the dashboard warning light? Some vehicles have the dashboard light programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. Particularly in older cars, that light might not come on until your engine is already too low on oil so don’t rely on the dashboard light but stick to a regular schedule. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation listed in your owner’s manual.
- Is viscosity important? The viscosity codes (for example, 10W-40) tell you how viscous (thick or thin) the oil is in hot and cold weather. For most cars, the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual will state the viscosity preferred for your car in particular driving conditions.
- Are there differences between conventional, premium, and synthetic oils? Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines typically use conventional oils. Premium oils offer extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. And there are blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils, often used for trucks and SUVs. Ask your mechanic for recommendations on what is best for your vehicle.
Need to know more why oil changes are important? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about our oil change services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
