Hi friends! Welcome to a new week here at the eTags blog. We’re so happy to have you here with us. Today we’re going to address a maintenance issue that makes lots of folks roll their eyes, avoid the subject, and occasionally push off action for as long as possible. Of course we’re talking about oil changes.
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While getting an oil check and change is generally a rather quick and painless task, we know that it’s one of those things that sits on your calendar, looming. It’s true: changing your oil exactly on time is not a dire, emergency mechanic visit, unlike, say, squeaking or grinding brakes. However, it is an extremely important factor in your vehicle’s health. And we’re here to give you all the reasons why getting your oil checked and change is such a big deal, and why it should be a happy task more than an arduous one. So, without further ado:
How often should I get my oil checked?
It depends on a few factors:
1. The first thing to know is that while most oil change calculations are based on mileage and time, even if you rarely drive your car (weekend drivers, for example) and won’t make the minimum mileage point, it’s a good idea to schedule an oil check at least one time per year regardless. This is especially true if your vehicle uses synthetic oil.
2. If you happen to hear any knocking or grinding coming from under your hood while driving, it’s most likely and oil issue and time to get that fluid changed.
3. Now, if your vehicle runs on conventional oil, you should have your levels checked and changed between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.
4. If your oil is a semi-synthetic one, you can wait until you hit the 5,000 up until 7,500-mile mark.
5. For fully synthetic oil you’re good to drive up to 10,000 miles at a time before your next oil change.
What does oil do in a car?
The oil in your vehicle performs several integral functions. These include:
*It lubricates: Oil is how your car’s moving parts move. The oil acts as a buffer, allowing neighboring parts to move against one another with a lot less friction and disturbance. It also prevents the damage and complications that could occur from repeated contact.
*It protects: As the oil lubricates and forms a thin barrier, it also helps to prevent rust and corrosion of the many metal surfaces it touches.
*It cools: Cars get hot. Particularly the engine. Without the oil to absorb and disperse some of the heat created from running an engine, we wouldn’t have long to operate a vehicle before it would overheat and stop performing.
*It cleans: As oil passes through the engine, it acts as a sort of liquid broom, sweeping up and carrying off debris. This means that any garbage produced by the operation of the engine gets absorbed by the oil, thereby keeping the mechanism clean and functional. It also means that any potential buildup of this debris is kept from occurring.
Why is an oil change so important?
Other than maintaining the health and performance of your vehicle, regular oil changes can improve fuel efficiency. Which means, you save money! How, you ask? Well, when oil gets old and dirty, your engine has to work harder and pull more fuel, so dirty oil means more trips to the gas station.
Clean oil produces fewer harmful emissions, which is key for a cleaner environment, healthier air, and that passing emissions test that many states require in order to renew vehicle registration.
And lastly, because of oil’s key role in the maintenance of your engine, skipping regular oil changes could lead to faster denigration of the engine itself. So while you may not be thrilled about paying for regular oil checks and changes, these costs are pennies compared to engine repairs and replacements.
All in all, oil is a key component of your vehicle’s ability to run smoothly. So now is a great time to quit avoiding that next oil change, and realize that in the end, this quick trip to the mechanic is actually saving you money and trouble.
And remember, for all your tag and title needs, head over to eTags.com, where we are ready to assist you with transfers, replacements, renewals, and more, Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
