If you want to ensure your vehicle’s longevity and prevent problems in the future, you can commit to changing its oil regularly. Contrary to popular belief, you likely won’t have to inconvenience yourself to get this service done every three months. Below, learn how often you should get an oil change and read more information on this essential vehicle maintenance service.
How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?
If you’ve been driving for a while, you might have heard outdated advice when purchasing your first-ever vehicle. It was common practice for vehicle owners to get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles they put on their odometer. This was roughly the equivalent of every three to six months, but a vehicle owner might have had to go in even more frequently, depending on how often they drove.
Thanks to engine advancements and oil composition, experts no longer recommend this frequency level for an oil change. Instead, it is advisable to change your car’s oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Depending on how frequently you drive, you may only need to visit a vehicle service center once a year to keep up with the recommended frequency.
While getting more frequent oil changes won’t hurt your engine, you may spend more money than you’d like. You can get optimal savings by following your owner’s manual for oil change frequency and exploring our service specials when you do come in for this service.
Why Should I Get My Oil Changed?
To understand the importance of an oil change, you should first learn how your car engine works. It encases many moving metal parts. Without some sort of lubricant, these parts will grind against and damage one another. Having clean oil with adequate viscosity can help these parts perform their jobs efficiently and leave you with a high-performance vehicle. Motor oil also minimizes friction and prevents the engine from overheating, which could be costly.
What Are the Different Types of Motor Oil?
Here are three different types of motor oil you can use in your vehicle:
Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional or traditional motor oil is the thickest type and is what older vehicles typically use. It’s safe for older engines but requires more frequent changes than the other two oil types. You can expect to change it approximately every 3,000 miles.
Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil
Semi-synthetic motor oil is a combination of conventional and synthetic oil. It’s ideal for vehicles that tow or carry a lot of weight. It’s also good for vehicles that endure longer driving sessions, so you may consider using it if you and your family go on frequent road trips that have you crossing city or state lines. Semi-synthetic motor oil lubricates engines quite well, and it has a life span that falls in the middle between conventional motor oil and synthetic motor oil.
Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil is the thinnest type of the three. It usually lasts much longer than the other two types, as it may only need replacement approximately every 10,000 miles. It’s the go-to choice for modern engines that are high-efficiency and high-performance. Only some newer vehicles require it, while other vehicles encourage its use. You may consider paying a higher price for synthetic oil to benefit from longer-lasting oil changes in the future.
How Does the Climate Affect Your Engine’s Oil?
The climate can affect your engine’s oil in several ways. For example, when it gets hot outside, the heat can cause oil to break down more quickly than in moderate conditions. On the other hand, cold weather may cause your oil to thicken, making it harder to flow throughout your engine. Elements like dirt, sand, and salt from salted roads can also get into your engine filter, leading you to need more frequent oil changes and filter replacements.
What Are Some Do-It-Yourself Oil Change Tips?
If you have some bottles of oil and the right tools lying around, you may want to try changing your car’s oil yourself. If you undertake this task, here are some tips to follow:
- Lift your vehicle using a safe method to access the drain plug underneath.
- Wear safety equipment like eye goggles or glasses and gloves.
- Acquire an oil collection pan big enough to hold all the old oil.
- Replace the old oil filter with a new one during the oil change to improve the engine’s performance.
- Pour the new oil with a funnel to avoid spills under the hood.
- Use the dipstick when pouring oil in to ensure you’ve poured enough.
- Instead of throwing away old oil in a regular trash can, take it to your local dealership to dispose of it properly.
What’s the Importance of Keeping Records of Oil Changes?
It’s important to keep records of every oil change. You may save the paperwork you get from the dealership or keep a detailed record yourself and store it in your glove box. When you can show proof of maintenance records that include an oil change, you can keep the manufacturer’s warranty for your new vehicle valid if you have one.
You may also experience greater success if you want to trade in your car. With comprehensive service records, you can show the buyer that you deserve a higher price for your vehicle because you took good care of it over the years.
Schedule an Oil Change With Huffines Kia Corinth Today
No worries if you don’t want to perform an oil change yourself. Not many car owners are keen on it, but our service technicians at Huffines Kia Corinth are. Be sure to schedule service with us today so you can get an efficient oil change and get back on the road with confidence.
While your vehicle is here, we can perform other maintenance services, like a multi-point inspection. If we discover anything wrong with your vehicle or anything that requires an upgrade, you can order the parts you need. With these new parts, we can make the necessary repairs or replacements. We always provide our customers with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that’re compatible with your vehicle’s model and year. Contact us today to learn more about our vehicle maintenance services, including oil changes.