Questions About Oil Changes
Everyone knows that a car needs an oil change from time to time, but not everyone knows exactly what is involved. So, let’s start off with the basics. What exactly is an oil change? And what other questions do you have about oil changes?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. With an oil change, your mechanic drains all the old oil out of your car and replaces it with new oil to help keep your engine working the way it should.
What Happens During an Oil Change?
During the oil change, your mechanic actually does a lot more. He or she will also check your tire pressure, fluids other than oil (including differential, power steering, brake and transmission fluid), make sure that your windshield washer fluid is at a good level, take a look at your serpentine belts to make sure there’s no wear, check your air filter, examine your wiper blades and more. Bet you thought you were just going to get our oil done, didn’t you! If you have any more questions about oil changes, ask your mechanic.
Is that It?
Isn’t that enough? This is all the extra stuff you get when you came in for your oil change, but now let’s get back to your oil. It’s surprising how many people don’t realize what oil does for their car, and that’s why they have so many questions about oil changes. Oil lubricates every single component in your engine in order to prevent wear. It absorbs heat and removes contaminants. These contaminants end up in the oil filter, which is also replaced during your oil change. Because your engine oil does so much for you over the course of time, that’s why it breaks down and has to be replaced.
What Type of Oil Should I Use?
This is one of the most common questions about oil changes, and actually, it’s pretty much up to you. For a high performance vehicle, you should probably choose synthetic oil. For an ordinary beat-around-town car, when you’re driving short distances, conventional oil is fine but may need to be changed more often. Ideally, consult your owners’ manual to find out what oil is best.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
Every 3,000 miles, usually. Although again, this could depend largely on how often you drive, and how hard you drive. If you’re just booting around town, then every 3,000 miles is fine. If you’re hauling a trailer or going off-road, you should change it more often.
Need an Oil Change?
Come and see us at D Mac’s Auto Repair at 1554 Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92027. We’ll change your oil for you, get you back up and running, and if you have common questions about oil changes, we can answer them. Contact us today!
