Are oil changes a bit of a mystery to you? You know that you’re supposed to change it, but that’s where your knowledge ends. Find out everything you need to know about oil changes so you’ll be prepared to take care of your vehicle.
Timeline for Changing the Oil
Years ago, the rule of thumb was to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. However, vehicles and motor oil have evolved since then, and now, it’s not unusual to wait for 5,000-7,500 miles between oil changes. You can find out how often you need to change the oil by consulting your car owner’s manual. The information inside of the manual is specific to your vehicle, so you won’t risk driving too long with the same oil.
When to Check the Oil
Even if you get regular oil changes, you should still check the oil. New and used cars can run low between oil changes, so you might need to top it off. Make a point of checking the oil once a month and adding more as needed. Depending on your car, you’ll check it by using a dipstick or an electronic oil monitor. If your car has an electronic monitor, it will show the oil level on your car’s display.
Choosing the Oil
When you take your car in for an oil change, you’ll notice that there are lots of options. Choosing the right oil for your car is vital. Again, you can find the information in your owner’s manual. Also, your car might have the weight on the oil cap.
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Do You Need Special Oil?
Oils don’t just differ by weight. There are numerous options out there to meet specific needs. For instance, you can get high mileage oil if you drive an older car. This type of oil excels at keeping the engine parts lubricated and clean. However, high mileage oil is more expensive, so you might be on the fence about making the switch. You don’t need to change to a high mileage motor oil as long as your car performs as it should. If you notice some issues, though, making the change could be beneficial.
The same is true for synthetic oil. Some oil change places try to upsell people to synthetic oil, regardless of the age of the vehicle. The reason for the upsell is simple. It’s up to four times more expensive than standard motor oil. If your manufacturer states that your car needs synthetic motor oil, use it. Also, it’s a smart upgrade if you take lots of short trips. It takes standard oil longer to warm up, so it might not protect your engine. Otherwise, though, you can stay with standard motor oil.
Oil changes are a cinch when you use Don Moore Automotive Team in Owensboro, Kentucky. You can schedule your service online and then bring your vehicle to us. We will change the oil for you quickly so you can get back on the road.
But what if you change the oil and you still aren’t happy with your vehicle? Our dealership can help with that, too. We carry vehicles from the top brands, including GM, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota. Our team is well-versed in all of our offerings and will help you find a vehicle with the features you want.
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