When it comes time for your vehicle to have its oil and filter changed, you might think that this ordinary task is exactly that- ordinary.
The truth, however, is that there are multiple aspects and questions about changing the oil on your ride than meet the eye.
Perhaps the biggest three questions that the mechanics at My Mechanic hear most often include the three W’s- When, What, and Who.
The Three Big W’s
You may not give your car’s oil a second thought, but when people do, they frequently ask:
1. When does the oil in my car need to be changed?
The answer to this one isn’t as simple as it might sound. Sure, you can always go with the oil manufacturer’s recommended mileage, or you could follow your car manufacturer’s recommended mileage or you could follow the advice you get from your dad, aunt, or grandparents but when all three answers are different ones, which do you choose as the right one?
Pre-2000, the recommended mileage for oil changes was 3,500 miles but is this necessary? Today’s modern engines frequently use synthetic oil or a synthetic blend and if you read the owner’s manual, chances are that it says 5,000-7,500 miles.
Some vehicles even have oil change indicators, which rely on the mileage interval pre-programmed at the factor combined with your mileage.
Which is the right number? Generally speaking, if you don’t drive in extreme conditions, then 5,000 to 7,500 is usually a good indicator. The same is true if you use a synthetic or a synthetic blend. If the oil manufacturer says to change the oil every 15,000, then chances are that you can rely on that mileage.
What are extreme conditions? If you run a lot of short errands or drive less than 10 miles before you shut off the engine, if you live in an area that is very dusty or muddy, if you do deliveries and turn the car off and on frequently or if you drive in very hot weather, your usage is considered extreme and oil changes should be done more frequently.
Still confused? Stop by My Mechanic and talk to one of our experts about what type of mileage you can expect to get out of an oil change based on the age of your vehicle and your driving habits.
2. What type of oil should I use in my car?
First, check the owner’s manual to see what type of oil the manufacturer recommends. Even if your vehicle uses conventional motor oil, you still have the option of using synthetic oil or a synthetic blend.
Not sure what those are? Let’s look at the 4 basic types of engine oil:
- Conventional: This oil comes to us via refined crude oil. It’s inexpensive but it doesn’t last as long, nor does it do well in high temps.
- Synthetic: Full synthetic engine oil is an artificial oil but it offers more protection than conventional oils. This is the most expensive oil and it has superior engine wear protection, it performs well even in extremely high heat, and it is much more durable than conventional oils. Some synthetic oils claim to last 25,000 miles.
- Synthetic Blend: This mixture tries to offer the best of both worlds by mixing conventional oil and synthetic oil. This gives your vehicle some of the benefits of synthetic oil but at a lower cost.
- High Mileage: This oil is designed to meet the needs of vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer. This type of oil is a bit more expensive than conventional oils due to the high number of additives.
What type of oil should you use in your vehicle? This will depend on what the manufacturer recommends, your driving habits, and what you are willing to pay.
If you use your vehicle for towing or hauling very heavy items frequently, if you live in an area that is very dusty or dirty, your vehicle might benefit from synthetic oil.
3. Who should change the oil?
This seems like a no-brainer, but the answer isn’t as obvious as it might appear.
The perfect person to change the oil in your vehicle is an ASE-certified mechanic who will not just change the oil and filter, but someone who will inspect your vehicle for any possible problems while they are doing this job.
Oh yes, and let’s not forget that this person needs to have a place to dispose of the used oil that is environmentally friendly.
An ASE-certified mechanic, like the ones here at My Mechanic, will inspect the air filters, tire pressure, belts, and hoses, to name a few.
You might be shocked at the number of people who avoid breakdowns and the costly consequences of breaking down at certain times simply because a mechanic spotted a problem as they were changing the oil.
You can trust the experts at My Mechanic to give your car a thorough once over to ensure that everything appears to be In good working order.
That’s the peace of mind that every driver wants, right? Knowing that your vehicle is in the best possible condition and ready for whatever lies ahead.
The Oil Change Habit That Can Boost Mileage
Synthetic oil allows for lower viscosity and still protects from wear and better cold flow than conventional oils. This can lead to increased fuel economy.
Since synthetic oil is more “slippery”, it reduces friction inside the motor. If you can imagine sliding on the ice on a piece of plastic or sliding on a waxed piece of plastic, you can picture how the more slippery waxed plastic will go faster.
Of course, bad driving habits can offset any mileage benefits of synthetic oil, but most people experience enough of a difference in their MPG that once they try synthetic oil, they stick with it.
The Bottom Line
While synthetic motor oils hold up better for more miles, they do cost more and no oil will last forever.
Getting regular oil changes is what is important and you can ask the pros at My Mechanic when you should get your next oil change if you are unsure.
Is it almost time for your next service? Call the friendly staff at My Mechanic right now for an appointment. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your ride has been approved for that road trip you’ve been thinking about.
