An oil change is a fundamental auto service associated with owning a vehicle. The oil used in a car is essential for keeping the engine moving smoothly. After a certain amount of time, however, the oil becomes less effective and needs to be replaced with fresh oil. An oil change takes care of this for the vehicle owner.
At D Mac’s Auto Repair, we would like to share information on oil changes, such as why they are needed and when to schedule one. We will also look at some tips and tricks related to vehicle oil changes, as well as the typical check-up items that mechanics will provide as part of their auto services.
What is the Purpose of Engine Oil?
Engine oil is used to both lubricate and cool all the moving parts of an engine. The type of oil recommended is marked in two locations, typically. It can be found on the oil cap of the engine and in the car’s user’s manual. This information defines the type of oil to use, as well as the proper viscosity of the oil. It will also explain if any specific additives are needed for a particular vehicle.
Why Does a Vehicle Need Oil Changes?
A car that has had its oil changed can perform much better than a car that has not. Old motor oil can cause damage to your engine that does not need to occur. When a vehicle starts, there is a short period where no oil barrier is there to lubricate moving parts, which results in small amounts of wear.
Short trips where the car engine never heats up can lead to the oil aging more than it would otherwise. When certain additives are used up, this can cause a buildup of sludge. This buildup reduces lubrication, and over longer periods of time, can severely damage an engine.
Something else to consider is that oil can absorb dust, water, and other contaminants. While this is okay in moderation, the oil eventually gains more and more of these problem substances, to the point where no more can be absorbed. At this point, the gunk stays in the engine and can lead to corrosion. That is why we believe it is so important to change your oil needed. We will go over how often that is just below.
When Should Oil Be Changed?
There is some argument about when an oil change should take place. The truth of the matter is that various factors contribute to when an oil change is needed, including the age of the engine, the environment you drive in, how you drive, and more. Most experts believe that oil needs changed at somewhere between 3,000 and 10,000 miles.
We recommend something in the middle, perhaps around 5,000 miles. This might be too long or too short for some vehicles, but the clear majority will do well using this estimate as a rule of thumb. However, there are some instances when you might want to change your oil a bit more frequently:
- If the vehicle often carries large loads, such as towing a trailer or using a carrier. This puts more of a strain on the engine and results in the heavier use of motor Sludge can build up much more rapidly in this type of situation.
- If the driving was done involves high speeds, heavy acceleration, or driving often requires extensive idling. Putting more pressure on the engine leads to more use of oil, which means that it requires more frequent oil changes at your local auto shop.
- Gravel and dirt roads are most often driven on by the vehicle. The dirt and debris will be fed into the air intake and inevitably end up in the oil. This can cause the oil to thicken and cause more wear on the engine.
- When the vehicle is commonly driven somewhere with a hot or cold climate. Very high or low temperatures can cause excess strain on the engine, which leads to the need for more frequent oil changes and other maintenance.
- If the vehicle mostly takes trips of 10 miles or less, especially when it is cold outside. Short trips do not allow the oil to properly heat up, which means that there is no oil barrier and things can wear out more quickly.
- The vehicle sees frequent use as a taxi, delivery service, police, or other commercial application. Using a car in a commercial application often means that the vehicle sees more use than a typical vehicle does, which also means that the oil more often sees use. This leads to a need for an oil change more often.
What Kind of Oil Maintenance Should I Do?
There is a small amount of maintenance that is important in regard to motor oil. While we suggest an oil change every 5,000 miles or so, checking the level of oil is another situation altogether. The good news is that this is a simple procedure, even for those who have never done it before.
First, the vehicle to be measured should be on a level service when parked. From there, a person needs only to remove the oil dipstick, clean it off, and re-insert it. Taking it out again will give you a measurement of how much oil is available.
If the oil level is at the full mark, there’s nothing further required. However, if it is it below that; it needs more oil. The marks on the dipstick give the information necessary to determine how much oil must be added to the vehicle. In the instance that the vehicle’s oil is at the add mark, this means that it requires a quart of oil. This means that added a quart of oil is needed. Also, we strongly encourage that you recheck the amount of oil on another day to see where it stands. The reason for is that oil moves slowly when cold, so an accurate measurement is difficult to get the day of the oil addition.
Other Maintenance Tips
While checking the oil level, we believe it is the right time to take care of other car maintenance needs. Consumers should incorporate several needs into a maintenance routine. We will go over a few simple maintenance tips that are easy to implement, even for those who may not have much maintenance or car experience.
Checking the air filter
This is a simple task that involves removing the filter and holding it against a strong If it is hard to see through the air filter, it is likely time to replace it. Doing so can lead to improved vehicle performance.
Replacing windshield wipers
In the event that the car wipers do not seem to be working like they used to, it is the perfect time for putting in a new pair of blades. It is relatively cheap and easy to do.
Checking other fluids
While checking the amount of oil in a vehicle, it takes little time to check other fluids. Other fluids to check include brake, wiper, transmission, and power steering.
Looking at the engine
Even without vehicle knowledge, it is a good idea to do a once over of the parts under the hood. Simple things like assuring the battery cables are on tight, and there is no debris is something else that can be done.
Testing the lights
This is another simple maintenance task. Turn on the tail lights, brake lights, headlights, and turn signals while the vehicle is parked safely. If any of these lights are not operating correctly, any mechanic at an Escondido auto shop can determine what is going wrong and fix the issue.
Checking the car tires
Most people do not pay much attention to tires unless something is not working correctly. However, it is a good idea to test the air pressure in your tires at least once a month, matching the pressure to the requirement on the tire sidewall. In addition, tires should be rotated every six to eight thousand miles, and a mechanic should check the tire alignment on occasion.
Benefits of an Oil Change in Escondido
Getting an oil change has many different benefits. We have gone over a few of them, but the following list looks at each in more depth.
Maintaining Engine Lubrication
There are tons of moving parts under the hood of a car, such valves, pistons, and other engine parts. These parts undergo high rates of speed when being used. This leads to a substantial amount of heat, and it will cause excessive wear on the engine if there is not proper oil lubrication. Therefore it is so important to refer to the car’s owner’s manual to determine the appropriate grade and weight of oil that is best for a particular vehicle and then ensure that the oil fill continues to be filled at the specified level.
Improving Gas Mileage
Cars that do not have proper engine lubrication can require more gas, so having sufficient, clean oil is important. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the right oil and having the oil changed as a part of standard car maintenance can improve gas mileage by one to two percent. While this may seem like a small number, it can certainly add up over time.
Cools Engine Parts
As mentioned above, moving parts can cause friction which leads to heat. To keep friction to a minimum and prevent over-heating, having clean oil in sufficient amounts can help quite a lot.
Prevents Engine Wear Sludge
Particles of dirt and other matter can be deadly to vehicle engines. Dust causes corrosion over time and decreases the life of a vehicle’s engine. Car maintenance, specifically oil changes, can help keep an engine clean and lead to a longer life. On the other hand, not having the oil changed can lead to oil that breaks down and causes sludge, which is not healthy for the car. Both filter and oil changes help avoid this problem.
Vehicle Longevity Promotion
Simple vehicle maintenance helps any vehicle last longer. One of essential auto services is the oil change. Buildup found from dirty oil makes engine parts work harder, which leads to more issues down the road. The experts at Kelley Blue Book explain that when it comes to selling a vehicle, regular maintenance may result in a higher resale.
Find Problems Before They Progress
An oil change is not just an oil change. In most cases, a mechanic will not only check the oil but also do a checkup on the vehicle. A mechanic will look at fluid levels, air filters, and other things. This can help determine when a problem is there, which can be useful to know before it gets any worse.
Additional Services
The services that are complimentary when getting a full-service oil change depend upon the auto shop, but many things will typically be checked. In addition to an oil change and fill, most mechanics will look at the transmission fluid, washer fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. Most auto shops will also check the tire pressure, air filters, serpentine belts, vehicle lights, battery, and wiper blades. However, it is important to inquire with the mechanic about what comes included with their oil change and checkup.
Visit Us for An Oil Change in Escondido Today
To learn more about oil changes and other vehicle maintenance, contact D Mac’s Auto Repair. Our team would also be happy to schedule an oil change for you if required. We look forward to getting your call or meeting you at our auto shop to help you ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle.
