Why Oil Changes Are Important

Oil-Change

Oil-Change

When it comes to proper car maintenance there are a few basic services that are needed no matter what type or model of car you own. Besides putting gas in them, all cars need oil changes. This basic service can keep your car looking and running great even if it has a few years under its belt.

 

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change On Your Vehicle?

Check your owner’s manual that came with your car to see manufacturer instruction on oil changes. The general time frame for oil changes is every 3,000 miles, however, if you are driving a car that is less than 5 years old, you may not have to change the oil that frequently. As technology has improved, so have the lubricants and technologies built into your car’s oil system. Many Toyota vehicles require oil changes every 5,000 miles where Chevrolet recommends every 7,500 for models 2007 and newer.

 

What Happens to Oil As it Ages?

In order to understand why old oil is so bad for your car, you should know just what happens to oil as it ages. First off, the oil loses additives. This means that it becomes less viscous as things like water and particulates collect into it and that causes sludge to build up, which means it cannot properly lubricate your engine. Next, oil picks up pieces of dirt, debris, and even metal shavings which can cause harm and harmful scarring of your engine. Lastly, old oil is not good for your vents and your filters as it can build up and cause issues with proper air getting to the engine. As oil ages, it also reduces in volume which means your car may have less oil in it than it should for proper performance.

 

Oil is the Life Blood of Your Car

Quite simply and for starters, oil is like the blood of your car. It keeps your engine running smoothly, keeps things from overheating, reduces friction, and keeps everything moving smoothly. Motor oil, though it is contained in one compartment of your engine, works to help complete more functions within the engine of your car than any other part or fluid. The oil in your engine essentially helps to lubricate the engine to ensure that it runs smoothly and that too much friction does no build up. Excess friction can cause your engine to lock up making your car virtually useless. You should make sure you change your oil routinely because as oil ages and is used, it loses weight or viscosity making it harder for it to lubricate the engine.

 

Oil Keeps Your Engine Cool

Another critical function of oil is to keep the engine cool. Oil, much like water, is a great conductor of heat. As cool oil flows over the super-heated parts and gears in your engine, it can help to cool down these areas by wicking heat away, thereby keeping your engine from overheating or burning up. With oil that is old, that has improper weight, or that is dirty, the engine is not as cooled as it should be which makes for a very hot engine that will likely overheat and even burn up. Oil can help to move heat away from vital engine parts that are super-heated because they move against one another when the car is in motion. It is vital that the car have clean oil and the proper amount so that heat can be moved around the engine.

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Oil Change Coupons Utah

If you are in need of an oil change near West Jordan, Utah, contact the pros at Ace Auto Repair. We are honest mechanics that repair all makes and models of cars, trucks, vans, RV’s and SUV’s.