Peter Wachira

The lubricating oil in your car is essential for the engine's well-being. One of the basic automotive maintenance measures is to know how often to change your oil. However, many car owners are clueless about how often to change oil. The schedule might differ depending on recommendations by the manufacturer, the age of the vehicle, the quality of the oil, or your driving routine, driving habits, and driving conditions. Fresh, clean oil maximizes your vehicle's performance as it is the lubricant for moving parts and keeps the vehicle engine healthy. The right engine oil flow optimizes the performance of your vehicle engine, and frequent oil changes will ensure that your oil remains fresh. If you delay the oil change in your car, the engine will heat up and run less efficiently. Over time, it will damage engine components, and eventually, the vehicle’s engine will break down too. If you are unsure when and where to change your engine oil, here are suggestions on how to go about it. When to Change the Oil The conventional oil in your engine breaks down over time and becomes less effective. You are responsible for ensuring that there is enough oil in your engine and that its condition is good. When the oil change or check engine light comes on, it means you don't have enough oil flow in your engine. Your car's systems warn you that you might cause engine damage if you don't rectify the situation. Certain vehicles have a service reminder monitor that will alert you when you need to change oil. You can consult your owner's manual that guides you on issues like changing your oil. Although a mechanic might have suggestions, it is always good to know what the manufacturer has to say about the same. It would be best if you also check the oil's amount and condition at least once per month. Make sure to turn off your vehicle when checking the oil, and be careful if the engine is still warm. What Signs to Look Out For Many drivers rely on mileage to determine when they need to have their oil changed, but other factors also play a part. Factors like the oil quality, how often the car you drive your vehicle, if you go for short trips only, if you drive for longer distances, whether you carry heavy loads, change of car ownership, and the car's age are also critical determinants. Some of the signs apart from mileage that you need your car’s oil changed include: Engine noise and knocking Oil change or check engine light Dark and dirty residual oil Oil smell in your car Exhaust smoke Excessive mileage Dirty oil filters Cold starts How Often Should You Change the Oil Many believe one should change your oil every three months or after every 3,000 miles, but these frequent oil change intervals are not the case for all engines. Advances in engine technology have made it possible for most vehicles to need an oil change after 7,500 to 10,000 miles or six months to 12 months. You must always keep an eye on your car's synthetic oils by checking regularly. Even a new car might need to top up the oil, so do not make assumptions. Checking the oil at least once per month should ensure the engine is safe, and you should do repairs at the first sign of a leak. The owner's manual of your car has recommendations to guide you on when to change your oil. How to Check the Oil Yourself You can use a dipstick to check the oil level and condition. When you do that, ensure your car is on flat ground, and the engine is not hot. Pull out the oil dipstick from the engine and wipe off the oil at the end with a cloth. Insert the stick into the engine housing, then remove it again. Look at the tip to see how low or high the oil is; if it is below the bottom mark, you can top it up to be safe. If you notice the oil is too dark or dirty, a replacement is required. While crude oil is honey color, the used oil is normally black or dark brown, but sometimes dark oil can be normal due to the combustion process that produces soot. The soot does not harm the quality of the oil. Synthetic oil can turn dark with time, and chemical analysis is the only way to tell if it is too old. You also need an oil filter change when it is time to do so. Right Oil for Your Car The viscosity and grade of engine oil present a wide array of choices. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) categorizes oil according to viscosity, depending on how thin or thick it is. The grade is a numeric designation of synthetic motor oil, according to SAE. When the motor oil is thick and heavy, it has a higher number, and a lower number is for thinner oil. The information on which synthetic oil you should use for your car is available in your owner's manual. However, with the wide range of choices for synthetic motor oil in the market today, you might get confused about choosing the right one. Certain older cars use thicker oil than today's newer cars. Modern engines have the engine oil weight written on the cap of the oil entry point in your engine. You should ensure you know what your vehicle manufacturer recommends before taking your car to car experts. This way, you will control the cost of the oil type they decide to put into your vehicle. Find the Best Oil-Change Partner in Cypress, TX If you are in Cypress, TX, and need to get an oil change for your car, then Now Auto Care is your best partner for engine care. Our highly skilled and trained technicians are capable of handling a wide range of services, from general inspections to major repairs at good value for your money. We use high-grade parts, products, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best service for your vehicle. Contact us at - to book an appointment today!