The Importance of Oil Changes
Almost every car owner understands that their engine oil
will periodically need to be changed. However, few people understand why this
maintenance task is highly critical for the long-term health of their vehicle.
The primary benefit of regularly changing your engine oil is
that it keeps your engine properly lubricated. When an engine isn't lubricated,
it can cause parts to grind and result in serious damage. Another benefit of
changing your oil regularly is that it helps eliminate dirt and debris
build-up, which improves engine performance.
Now that you know why your oil needs to be changed, it's
important to find out how often changing it should occur. Most people assume
that their engine oil and filter need to be changed every 3,000 miles. While
this was true for older vehicles, newer models usually go between 5,000 and
7,500 miles before needing a change.
Our service team made it easy for you to be able to find
recommendations for your specific vehicle, so you can make sure to keep to the
right oil change schedule. Feel free to read any one of the articles on this
page to learn more about oil changes and how often to change your oil.
Benefits of an Oil Change
When Should I Schedule an Oil Change?
Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
Of course, part of properly caring for your car is knowing
which type of oil is best for the engine-and that's why we're here to make
things a little easier for you with this simple guide. Let's take a look:
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Conventional
Oil: As a derivative of natural crude oil, conventional engine oil is ideal for
vehicles that face normal road conditions and driving scenarios. In addition,
conventional oil is the best for motors that have simple, basic designs. With
this option, you'll have the right amount of protection against the friction
and high temperatures caused by everyday driving.
Synthetic
Oil: On the other hand, synthetic oil is a type of conventional oil that's been
modified to withstand more intense engine performance and extreme driving
conditions. So, if you happen to own a car that's armed with a high-performance
engine, this is a great option for your car. That way, you'll know that your
motor is equipped with the fluids it needs to handle its potent power output.
Overall, the engine oil that's ideal for your automobile
depends on the motor's design, the type of vehicle you drive, and your
performance needs.
To learn more about the one that's best for your car, feel
free to contact your trusted mechanic. They'll be able to provide you with more
information about whether you should choose conventional vs. synthetic oil for
your vehicle's engine.
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Oil Change Warning Signs
In addition to learning more about the type of oil that's
right for your car's engine, it's essential to keep an eye out for some
telltale signs that indicate that it's time for you to schedule an oil change
nearby. Some of the most common oil change warning signs are:
Gritty or Black Oil: The more often you drive, the more oil your
automobile needs to lubricate its engine. As time passes, the oil begins to become
dark and gritty. To prevent that grit from building up inside the motor and causing
corrosion, make sure to check your oil every once in a while. Once you see
particles in the oil, reserve an oil change at your local service center.
Grinding and Engine Noise: Every engine makes some noise while it's
moving your vehicle over the road. However, once those noises start sounding more
intense, it's likely that you need an oil replacement. As the oil inside your
engine begins to get low, your engine won't have enough lubrication to perform
smoothly, which results in excess grinding and other sounds.
Check Engine Light: As one of the most obvious signs that your engine
needs to be looked at by a professional, the check engine light should
immediately catch your attention. This warning illuminates on the dashboard of
your car if you experience an engine misfire or if your vehicle needs an oil
replacement. When you notice this symbol on your dash, make an appointment at
your repair shop for a quick oil change.
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Changing Your Oil Filter
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On top of scheduling routine oil changes for your
automobile, there are several other important services that your vehicle should
be getting to keep the engine healthy, one being regular oil filter
replacements.
For the most part, this service should be completed by a
skilled mechanic who is familiar with the various parts that are included in
your motor's oil filter. Still, if you want to try your hand at this procedure,
here are the steps:
1)Â Â Â Â
Jack Up
Your Car: To access all the parts of your engine oil filter, make sure your
vehicle is jacked up high enough for you to crawl underneath it. Engage the
parking brake and place cinderblocks behind the wheels to keep your vehicle
safely positioned.
2)Â Â Â Â
Find the Oil
Filter: Use your Owner's Manual to locate the oil filter. Try to loosen the
filter with a gloved hand. If it won't budge, use a strap wrench to loosen it.
3)Â Â Â Â
Grab the
Oil Drain Pan: Before you loosen the oil filter all the way, place an oil
drain pan underneath it. Then, pull the oil filter all the way out and place it
in the drain pan. Check the mounting surface to ensure that the oil filter
gasket isn't stuck inside. If it is, remove it.
4)Â Â Â Â
Tip the
Oil Filter: To drain the old oil out of your oil filter, place it on its
side inside the drain pan and let it sit for 24 hours. Once it's fully drained,
toss it in the trash.
5)Â Â Â Â
Lubricate
the Gasket: Purchase a new engine oil filter and use clean motor oil to
lubricate its gasket.
6)Â Â Â Â
Replace
with New Oil Filter: Keep the top of the new oil filter covered to prevent dirt
and debris from getting inside. Remove the cover from the oil filter once you
have it in position and slowly turn it to secure it.
7)Â Â Â Â
Tighten
the Filter: Don't put too much pressure on the filter while tightening it.
Instead, slowly twist the filter until you feel it start threading. Then, spin
the filter more quickly. Once it has contacted the engine, you only need to
spin it ¾ of a turn to secure it properly.
Like we mentioned before, because this process can result in
damage to your engine if it's not performed correctly, it's best to visit your
local service facility to have your oil filter replacement completed by a
professional.
That way, you'll drive knowing that this essential service
has been seen to by a highly qualified technician who has lots of experience
with automotive maintenance and replacements.
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Schedule an Oil Change
If you've done all your research and you're ready to
schedule an oil change in Randolph, Stoughton, or Brockton, your best resource
is the service department at CJDR 24. Our knowledgeable service team can help
you keep to your proper oil change schedule and can assist with other common
maintenance tasks. Schedule
your oil change today!