A properly maintained car gives better performance and tends lasts longer. That’s why you need to service your vehicle regularly! Getting oil changes on schedule is crucial for maintaining your car properly. Engine oil prevents engine wear and tear and lubricates your car’s engine to ensure it runs smoothly. Don’t know how often to change oil? Find out more below or give us a call and let an ASE-certified mechanic take a look at your oil and vehicle. Below are five crucial tips you should know about oil changes!
Check your engine oil at least once a month
One of the best and cheapest ways to protect your engine is to check the oil level. Depending on your driving habits, driving conditions, and the standards of certain vehicles, you cannot afford to ignore your motor oil level as a drop in engine lubricants can cause catastrophic and long-term damage to your car and it’s value.
So, how often should you change oil? Experienced mechanics will tell you to top up between an oil change interval. Oil leaks from crankcase valves or valve cover gaskets often cause a drop in oil levels. Make sure to contact your mechanic to look for leaks if you notice your levels are low. If your oil looks shiny or smells like coolant, it’s time for a change.
Checking your oil level is easy. Some vehicles come with an oil life monitoring system that tracks cold starts, vehicle temperature, and driving routine. Most cars just come with a dipstick. Use the oil dipstick to check the condition of the oil and level, the stick has markings to guide you. Wipe the residual oil on the dipstick first, reinsert, and pull it out. When you top up, ensure you don’t exceed the maximum mark.
How often should you change engine oil?
Different manufacturers recommend different oil change intervals. Some will tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while others recommend up to 10,000 miles. The best thing to do is to get frequent oil changes (as directed by your mechanic) to keep your car running smoothly!
What about vehicles that sit around most of the time? If you park your vehicle a lot or don’t rack up the miles for an oil change, you’ll still need to replace your oil and oil filter. Car experts will tell you to change your oil at least once annually, whether driving heavy loads or parked in the shed for six months or more.
If you are still not sure how often to change oil on your car, consult your owner’s manual for oil change intervals or visit an auto repair shop to have your car’s oil changed.
Get the right oil grade for your vehicle
Engine oils come in different grades depending on the type of vehicle. You can distinguish them by their weight or viscosity. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades oils based on how thin or thick they are. Thicker oils have a higher rating, while thinner oils have a lower rating, e.g., SAE 30 or SAE10.
Older vehicles often use thicker oils compared to newer ones – new cars need oil flow through tight spaces. The type of fuel also influences the oils used. Diesel engines have different requirements from gasoline engines.
Most oils have dual viscosity for hot and cold temperatures to prevent engine damage. You might see grading such as 5W-40 or 10W-30. The first number represents the weight of the oil when cold and the other when it has reached the engine’s operating temperature.
If you’re still not sure what grade of lubricant to get for your vehicle, request your auto repair shop to check for you. Your engine needs all the protection it can get – especially when you are towing or working your engine hard!
Synthetic vs. mineral oil
One of the oil dilemmas you will face at some point in your car service is choosing between conventional and synthetic oil. But what are normal oil and synthetic oil? Well, normal oil is extracted directly from crude oil. On the other hand, synthetic oils are made in the lab and mixed with conventional oils.
As technology advances, car engines require more efficient engine oils to prevent damage. It doesn’t mean your older cars can’t enjoy the perks of synthetic oils – synthetic oils give better mileage, have higher temperatures, have minimal deposits, and don’t degrade as much.
Synthetic oils tend to be a bit more expensive – up to four times higher than normal oil. However, they do an excellent job of cleaning and protecting your car motor. Want to get an upgrade for your engine oil? Contact us today!
Choosing an oil filter
As oil goes through different parts of the engine, it acts both as a lubricant and a cleaner. It gets rid of all the sludge and deposits in the engine.
An oil filter prevents all the contaminants from getting back in the engine. Oil filters come either as a cartridge or a canister. An oil cartridge is made of plastic and interchangeable cellulose material and is less common than a canister. A canister oil filter, on the other hand, is a screw-on unit that is replaced entirely.
Whether you are using mineral or synthetic oil, it is advisable to do an oil filter change with every oil change. Get the right size oil filter for your engine for better cleaning and protection.
Get professional oil change in Austin today!
Are you looking for qualified mechanics in Austin, Texas? The ASE-certified mechanics from Juke-Auto can check your oil level, change your engine oil, and provide overall car service. We offer engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair, electrical diagnostics, and battery replacements, among other services. Give us a call today at (512) 385-5853!
Get guaranteed satisfaction with all our products and services – we treat our customers like family. Additionally, we have a comprehensive warranty for all the services you get from us. It’s no wonder we are top-rated by all our clients. Plus, we are affordable without compromising quality. Book an appointment today!