Keep Your Car Running in Peak Form and Get an Oil Change

Your car is a valuable asset, and you need to treat it as such. Getting an oil change is an essential function of being a car owner. It is necessary if you want your car to reach peak performance. You might think that peak performance is for racers and auto geeks but peak performance means efficiency, and efficiency saves you money. If you continue to ignore the needs of your vehicle, you may be causing a big problem for yourself and your car down the road. Get the information necessary, and keep your automobile running in prime shape.

When do I need to switch out lubricants?

The commonly held misconception is every 3,000 miles, but this is not the case. While it will depend on your automobile and the type of lubricant that you used, many cars can go 7,500 to 20,000 miles before they require a routine switch. The best way to know for sure is to obtain a copy of your vehicle’s manufacturer’s maintenance schedule from your dealership or repair shop. This guide could also be among the papers in your glove box, but it is not part of the owner’s manual. If you find yourself at a repair shop that cannot provide you with the maintenance schedule for your car as recommended by the manufacturer, you should take your business elsewhere.

My car is fine. Why should I get an oil change?

You may not need one now, but they are imperative. Fresh oil keeps your engine well lubricated and keeps it cool. As time wears on, these lubricants become less effective due to exposure to air and heat. Exposure to these elements results in the lubricant becoming oxidized. The lubricant becomes sludge instead of liquid once it has been oxidized over time. Lubricant with the consistency of sludge is not effective in keeping dirt and grit out of your engine. Your engine will suffer serious damage when these corrosive materials are not kept in check by quality lubrication. If you put off switching lubricants for a long enough period of time, you can rack up serious repair bills to your engine that could have been avoided. Instead of paying 30 dollars for a quick oil change, you will spend hundreds maybe even thousands of dollars to fix your engine. Is switching your lubricants worth it now?

Should I buy synthetic or conventional lubricants?

That is up to you! Your owner’s manual should let you know which one will be more effective, but most synthetic lubricants are engineered to be more efficient and last longer. Synthetic brands have been modified on the molecular level for consistency and performance. Synthetic lubricants flow through the engine easier, which enhances the protection they provide. Still, your car may be more suited to running conventional oil through the engine. Conventional options are slightly cheaper too so you will save a few extra dollars.

If you are unsure about when you last had an oil change, you should bring your car in and get it done. It is simple and it is easy, and it could save you a lot of future stress and money!