Is It Time for an Oil Change?

Keeping your car running takes more than gas. Automobiles use all sorts of fluids to keep them running smoothly. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, antifreeze, and even windshield wiper fluid all help your car or truck function. In most cases, these fluids can last a long time. But when it comes to engine oil, regular maintenance and replacement is an absolute necessity. Running on old engine oil—or, even worse, too little engine oil—can damage your car and reduce its lifespan. So don’t take a chance. Always keep track of your engine oil, and when it’s time for an oil change, reach out to a TrustDALE certified oil change specialist like Havoline xpress lube.

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil is crucial to the functioning of your car. Without it, your car couldn’t run for more than a few minutes before incurring serious damage.

The oil that circulates in your car or truck functions primarily as a lubricant. In an internal combustion engine, numerous metal parts rub against each other at high speeds and temperatures. Without a lubricant, the rubbing would quickly damage the metal parts. Motor oil creates a film over the metal parts that minimizes contact between them. This reduces friction and its damaging effects. As the oil flows, it also collects heat and draws it away from the metal parts, further protecting them.

Engine or motor oil also has a secondary function. Coating the metal parts in oil helps to prevent oxidation and corrosion that can occur at high temperatures. Gasoline engines can reach temperatures of 320º F, and diesel engines reach nearly twice that. A high viscosity oil can stay thick enough to coat the engine effectively at higher temperatures. So diesel engines require motor oil with a higher viscosity index than gasoline engines.

How Engine Oil Degrades

Like most things in life, engine oil won’t last forever. Engine oil will usually last a few months or a few thousand miles. There was a time when mechanics recommended an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles. Today, many vehicle manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles, 7,500 miles, or even 10,000 miles. Modern engines run more efficiently and are less damaging to the motor oil.

To figure out exactly how often you change your oil, consult your vehicle manual and talk to your mechanic. In general, highway driving is less demanding on your motor oil than city driving. Slow speed and lots of stop-and-go are rough on your engine oil.

As engine oil runs through your engine, it collects soot from the internal combustion process. The high temperatures can also singe oil, and over time that can make it less effective. However, the most important reason to change your oil is that it can collect tiny metal particles that rub off of engine parts. Your oil filter will remove some of those particles, but eventually, the particles build up. When your motor oil is full of tiny metal bits, it can do the opposite of what you want it to do. Instead of lubricating, dirty oil can rub against the engine parts and damage them more.

Going for an Oil Change

Taking your car in for an oil change should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance. While some high-end vehicles require synthetic oil or other specialized products, most vehicles don’t require anything out of the ordinary. There is really no need to take your car back to the dealership for service unless you have a maintenance deal that makes it very cheap or requires it for the warranty.

In most cases, the easiest way to get an oil change is to bring your car to a local mechanic. If you need a reliable oil change service in the Atlanta area, try a TrustDALE certified oil change specialist like Havoline xpress lube.

What Comes With an Oil Change

While your car might be able to go for longer, taking in your vehicle every three months or 3,000 miles does have its benefits. Specifically, when you take your car to Havoline xpress lube, you get more than just an oil change. Havoline xpress lube technicians will do a full inspection of your vehicle. So think of your oil changes as a regular check-up for your car’s health.

At Havoline xpress lube, every Star Service Oil Change includes:

• Inspect/Fill Transmission Fluid
• Check/Fill Windshield Solvent
• Check/Fill Antifreeze/Coolant
• Inspect/Fill Power Steering Fluid
• Inspect/Fill Differential Fluid
• Check Brake Fluid
• Check Air Filter
• Inspect/Fill Battery water
• Inspect PCV Valve / Breather
• Visual Inspection of Belts and Hoses
• Reminder Service
• Check/Fill Tire Pressure
• Computerized vehicle history
• Check/Fill Transfer Case (4WD)
• FREE Top-Offs for 3 months/3000 miles
• Check/Fill Front Differential (4WD)

So if your car is pushing 3,000 miles, don’t wait. Get it to a Havoline xpress lube as soon as possible. You’ll be glad you did. And when you choose a local Havoline xpress lube through TrustDALE.com, you’re covered by TrustDALE’s Make-It-Right™ Guarantee.