The more that you know about oil and what your car needs in terms of engine oil the better a car owner you can be. Skiles Automotive is happy to help you with learning what you need to know about engine oil and how it affects your car’s performance and longevity.
Oil Changes
Oil changes are pretty straightforward and you may already know how important they are for your car’s engine. But just in case, if you don’t get your oil changed, that causes damage within the engine itself. At first, you’ll just notice diminished performance, some noise, and probably terrible gas mileage. If you keep avoiding that oil change, though, you’re at risk of your engine completely dying, and that’s an expensive repair.
In general, most car manufacturers recommend oil changes roughly every 3,000 to 8,000 miles. Double-check your car’s owner’s manual for exact details. You aren’t going to hear a ticking clock if you go over that recommended mileage, but as mentioned, you might see some minor performance changes until you do actually get the oil changed.
Oil Types
So, what type of oil does your car need? Oil comes in different weights, and it also comes in three main types. Conventional oil, synthetic oil, and blended oil all offer different benefits for vehicles. Your car’s manufacturer includes information about oil types and weights in the owner’s manual, so don’t forget to check that out.
Oil Maintenance
There are really only two main things you need to do in order to maintain your car’s oil. The first is to get regular oil changes, as close to the manufacturer’s recommendations as possible. The second is to check your car’s oil yourself every once in a while. Doing so roughly once a month helps you to be able to see firsthand whether the oil levels are low, whether the oil looks dirty, or whether there is anything else that just doesn’t look right. It’s also a great opportunity to check the air pressure in your tires and peek at the battery to make sure it looks okay.
You don’t have to be on your own with car maintenance. Give us a call at Skiles Automotive in Bremen, IN and we’ll be happy to help you to stick to an oil change schedule. We’re also happy to inspect any systems or parts and help you to spot trouble before it becomes a huge, expensive repair.
