An oil change is one of the most basic, yet essential, car maintenance tasks. Yet, many people still don’t understand why it’s so important. In this blog post, we’ll explain the purpose of an oil change and dispel some of the myths surrounding this auto maintenance service.
The Purpose of an Oil Change
Your car’s engine contains a lot of moving parts, and those parts need to be well-lubricated to function properly. Motor oil helps to keep everything running smoothly by reducing friction and cooling the engine. Over time, however, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important to get your oil changed on a regular basis-typically every 5,000 miles or so.
During an oil change, a technician will drain the old oil from your car and replace it with fresh, new oil. They will also typically check and replace your car’s oil filter. This is important because the oil filter catches any dirt or debris that gets into the engine oil.
Common Myths About Oil Changes
You might have heard some myths about getting your oil changed that has led you to put off this essential maintenance task. Let’s dispel a few of those myths right now:
- Myth #1: You only need to get an oil change when the light comes on. The truth is that by the time the light comes on, it’s already too late-you’re due for an oil change! Checking your owner’s manual is a good way to find out how often to get your oil changed.
- Myth #2: You can just add more oil when it gets low. It’s true that you can add more oil when it gets low, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until it gets low before adding more. When your car starts running low on oil, it means that there isn’t enough lubrication for all of the moving parts in your engine. This can cause serious damage and lead to expensive repairs down the road.
- Myth #3: Synthetic oils are better than regular oils. There are benefits to using synthetic oils over regular oils-they tend to last longer and perform better in extreme temperatures-but they are not necessarily better for all types of engines. Be sure to consult with a professional before making the switch to synthetic oils.
As you can see, there are good reasons to get an oil change on a regular basis. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car running smoothly for years to come. So don’t wait until your car’s light comes on-schedule an appointment with your trusted mechanic today!
