Oil Change

It's up to you to keep your car in good working order, and that starts with regular oil changes. Out of all of your car's regular maintenance requirements, oil changes are the most common and among the most important.

Why do you need regular oil changes?

During combustion, oil lubricates your engine's piston rings where they make contact with the piston. By reducing friction, oil actively reduces heat where piston and ring touch. Oil eventually gets dirty or runs low, which is why it must be replenished on a regular basis. When you get an oil change, the old oil is drained from your car and replaced with a fresh supply. Here are a few reasons why your engine requires oil refreshment:

• Engine Lubrication: Without proper lubrication, the friction between rings and piston increases and your engine could potentially overheat.
• Optimal Performance: When piston rings are properly lubricated, you can expect top-notch performance from your vehicle. That means optimal fuel efficiency and pump savings.
• Dependability: With regular oil changes comes a healthy, dependable drive. When you properly maintain your car, it returns the favor by happily chugging along for years on end.

When do you need an oil change?

You'll find exact numbers in your vehicle owner's manual, but oil changes are generally necessary every three months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles - whichever comes first. Here are more signs that your car needs an oil change:

Your dashboard light is on.

In newer vehicles, the oil change light may indicate that a certain amount of miles have passed since your last oil change. But it can also indicate low oil levels. When that light pops on, make sure you use the dipstick to check the oil level and get it changed ASAP.

The engine is running louder or making knocking sounds.

As oil ages or collects more dirt, its lubrication abilities wane. Instead of protecting against metal-on-metal contact, a lack of oil will leave your engine sounding louder. Eventually, you'll hear a definitive knocking sound, a telltale sign that you've gone way too long without fresh oil.

The oil looks dark or dirty.

Fresh oil is amber colored and translucent on the dipstick. If you can't see the stick through the oil, it's past time for an oil change.

Oil changes are a vital aspect of your vehicle's overall health. Don't let this important maintenance slide. Our friendly staff is here to help. We'll even schedule several oil change appointments ahead of time, so you don't have to worry about potential engine damage.