Oh no! It seems like the next oil and filter change rolls around pretty quickly. At least that’s what the little sticker on your windshield is telling you. Is it really necessary to have the oil changed that frequently? It is if you want to minimize engine breakdowns. In this blog post, I’ll talk about the necessity of regular oil and filter changes and how it affects the life and performance of your vehicle’s engine. I’ll also identify how often you should have an engine oil and filter change done.
It’s good to have a basic understanding of how a car engine works. Not only will this knowledge help you make decisions on needed repair work, but it will also help you know when something is not running quite right. When you start your car, a lot of “stuff” begins to happen under the hood. It’s all about turning a combination of air, gasoline and sparks into motion. (See this pretty cool animated graphic on how a car engine works – http://animagraffs.com/how-a-car-engine-works). There are a lot of moving parts in your engine, and they all need to be well-lubricated to move as they should.
Engine Performance and the Importance of Clean Motor Oil
As you drive your vehicle, the process of combustion and friction exposes the engine to high temperatures. Over time, engine components will undergo a lot of wear and tear. The motor oil that’s used in your car engine is designed to lubricate parts and reduce friction. An engine with clean oil will run more efficiently and give you better gas mileage. If you skip your next oil change, or wait too long to have the oil changed, the motor oil will begin to thicken. As it does, it looses the ability to protect and lubricate engine parts. If you continue to operate the engine with dirty motor oil, the engine will begin to break down and you’ll be faced with a number of unexpected engine repairs and maybe even fatal engine damage. Regular oil and filter changes will reduce repair costs and help your vehicle’s engine perform its best. Click here to schedule your next oil and filter change with Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, NJ.
Replace Engine Oil, but When?
How often the engine oil and filter should be changed depends on a number of factors: 1) The type of vehicle you are driving; 2) The type of oil that is used (regular, synthetic or synthetic blend); and 3) your driving style. For example, if your engine has a turbocharger, it will be exposed to higher temperatures which cause the oil to degrade faster. Some newer vehicles are equipped with sensors to let you know when to change the oil. If your vehicle is not equipped with a sensor, your Country Road Automotive ASE-Certified technician will let you know the best replacement schedule for your vehicle.
There are many benefits to having regular oil and filter changes performed by an independent auto repair shop like Country Road Automotive. First and foremost, with regular oil service visits to our shop, we get to know you and your vehicle. Each time you bring your vehicle to us, we keep a detailed history of the work that’s performed. Each service also includes a courtesy inspection of your vehicle. By doing all these things, we’re able to let you know if components, like brakes, need to be replaced. Click here to schedule your next oil change service with Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.