Tips

The Truth About Oil Changes

It does not matter if the car you drive came off the assembly line last week or a decade ago – if you take good care of your ride, it will take good care of you. With the average cost of a new car well into the five figures, you have thousands of reasons to keep the car you currently drive looking and running like new.

There are many ways to maintain your car, but it all starts with regular oil changes. If you are not changing the oil and filter in your car regularly, you are selling yourself, and your vehicle, short.

Oil is the Lifeblood of Your Car

No matter what part of Atlanta you call home or what kind of vehicle you drive, oil is the lifeblood of your car. Without that lifeblood, and the lubrication oil provides, the delicate components in your engine can quickly break down, leaving you with an expensive repair bill for your trouble.

Changing the oil at the recommended intervals is the number one thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your car, and the best possible investment you can make. Keeping your old car going will be far less expensive than buying a new one. Think about that the next time you are tempted to stretch the interval between oil changes.

How You Drive Matters

The way you drive matters a great deal, especially when it comes to scheduling your oil changes. If you drive gently and avoid rabbit starts and sudden stops, you can probably stick to the recommended oil change intervals. If you drive hard, do a lot of stop-and-go driving and have a lead foot, you should probably change the oil more frequently.

Hard driving creates extra heat and friction, and that can cause the oil to break down more quickly. How you drive matters, and the protection of your engine is one more reason to slow down and take it easy.

Quality Counts

Changing the oil is not enough. You need to use the best quality oil and filter when you make the change. Be sure to read your owner’s manual and use the type and weight of oil they recommend. Your mechanic can review your options and make sure you get a top quality filter to go with that fresh, clean oil.

Remember, the future of your engine and the car you drive relies on the oil you put in. It may be tempting to buy whatever is on sale, but it is best to choose a quality oil and stick to it.

Oil Changes are Not a Substitute for Your Own Vigilance

Changing the oil in your car is important, but regular oil changes are not a substitute for your own set of eyes. No matter how frequently you change the oil, it is still important to check the oil level on a regular basis.

Checking the oil level at every fill-up is a good habit to get into, and a good way to gauge the status of your engine. If your car is losing oil between changes, check the garage floor for leaks – and call your mechanic right away. If there are no leaks but your car is still using oil, talk to your mechanic about the possible reasons.

You have a lot riding on your car, and you need to care for it properly. Changing the oil and filter is one of the best ways to extend the life of your car, and it is simply too important to put off.

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