Maintaining the car's perfect condition is usually the main objective of many car owners. When you have a car, you could be wondering about the essential and most cost-effective way to keep your vehicle in the best shape. If so, you should know that your car is in the best condition by taking care of oil changes. You can damage the engine when you forget about oil changes, far more expensive than paying for regular oil changes.
However, before you embark on oil changes, there are a few things you should know. Read on to find out.
Not knowing when to change the oil is normal, as many car owners are not usually sure about this. When it comes to changing the oil, ensure to check your owner's manual as it is the key to your car maintenance and operation. You need to know over the years; the timing has changed; hence you should not make assumptions about the interval of the past experiences.
Many vehicles have service reminder monitors that alert the drivers when it is time to change the oil. Such systems usually check on the miles the car has traveled and can sense how the vehicle is being driven and adjust. It is in your best interest to ensure that you get to change your oil immediately after you receive such an alert.
Keeping an eye on your car's oil level is a must. Regardless of whether your vehicle is new or not, it will need oil to be added between oil changes. To ensure your oil levels are not low, check at least once monthly and take it to repairs when you first notice any sign of oil leakage. The new cars usually have electronic oil motors; hence you do not need to use the traditional dipsticks for a routine inspection.
If your car does not have electronic oil motors and you have to check the oil with a dipstick, ensure to park the vehicle on level ground. Always note the possible hot spots under the hood, especially if the engine has been running. Be keen on the oil's color as it needs to appear black or brown. If the engine is light and looks milky, chances are high the coolant is leaking, and it is best to take the vehicle to the mechanic as soon as possible.
You can be sure your engine is functioning well with the correct oil levels, but how frequently do you change your oil? Some people go by the three-month rule or 3000 miles, and others change after 7500 or even 10000 miles. With your owner's manual, you can know more about your car than any mechanic. You need to know it is not just the miles that contribute to oil changes as you could be driving fewer miles, but it is best to get the oil changed twice yearly. Wondering why? The more the oil ages, the less effective it becomes hence not getting the engine warm enough, shortening its lifespan.
Do not rush into choosing synthetic oil if there is no need. Again, when you check your owner's manual, you can know the right oil for you. But if you do not have your owner's manual and are not sure of the right oil, it is best to check with your local dealer as they should know the right oil for that particular model. However, in the newer models, the car's motor oil weight is shown on the cap where you put oil. When you know what is recommended before visiting your mechanic, you will control the cost of the oil to be added.
You need to know synthetic oil is more costly than conventional oil, and hence it is essential to choose it only when your manufacturer recommends it. Many people opt for synthetic oil because it is created to be more effective and long-lasting as it resists breakdown. There are some scenarios whereby the resistance to breakdown will help to increase the lifespan of your engine. You need to know if most of your trips are short distances, the standard motor oil will not provide enough warmth to burn moisture in the engine; hence it might not protect the engine. Also, if you stay in areas that experience freezing winters or hot summers, it is much better to opt for synthetic oil.
Another crucial thing you need to know is how to choose the best mechanic. The mechanic you select will either ensure your vehicle is in the best condition after they are done with it or spoil it. It is best when you are looking for a mechanic to consider checking their certification. The mechanic you can trust with your car must be fully certified and recognized by a national organization. It would help to read their reviews to be sure other clients were satisfied with their work.
With the above things, you can be sure to maintain the best condition of your car. It will now be easier for you to know the right oil for your vehicle, the right time to change, how often to change it, and the best mechanic to go to when the need arises.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.