The Importance of Oil Changes

Everyone knows that cars need regular oil changes — but with a busy schedule on your plate, routine vehicle maintenance can easily fall by the wayside. However, the humble oil change is one of the most essential services for keeping your vehicle on the road. Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t skip your car, truck, or SUV’s next oil change.

The benefits of getting regular oil changes

Fresh, clean oil keeps your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. A vehicle with clean oil will deliver better performance, peppier acceleration, and produce fewer emissions. Thanks to its proper lubrication, your vehicle’s components will produce less friction, which means the engine’s precision parts are less likely to be damaged or warped by high temperatures. Your vehicle will even provide better gas mileage with clean oil in its engine.

On top of that, regular oil changes will extend the life of the engine — and a solid track record of routine service can improve your vehicle’s resale value when it’s time to trade it in for a new model. Keeping up with oil changes is even a part of maintaining your vehicle’s warranty. So consider scheduling an oil change at Bill Harris Auto Center — these simple service visits can help you save plenty of time and money down the line.

Smart assistants

Chevy understands that your life is constantly on the go, so the automaker is offering you a helping hand with Google Built-In Compatibility. With a simple, “Hey Google,” you can use your voice to control so much in your Chevy — from making a call, playing music, and altering the controls of your vehicle. Getting lost or stuck in traffic is a surefire way to ruin your day, make you late for an appointment, and send your blood pressure up. With Google Maps, you’ll have turn-by-turn directions guiding your moves and receive live traffic updates to help you avoid gridlock. If you’re behind the wheel of the Chevy Bolt EV or EUV, Google Maps can even pinpoint charging stations so you’re never at risk of running out of power. You can download and access in-vehicle apps with Google Play.

When it’s time for an oil change

Typically, your vehicle will need an oil change every six months, or every 3,000-5,000 miles. Check your vehicle’s engine oil quality and level every two weeks. If it’s lower than ideal, as indicated on the dipstick, top it off with the kind of oil specified in your car’s owner’s manual. If it’s dark or gritty, it’s time to come to us for an oil change.

Vehicles that endure heavy usage will likely need more frequent oil changes. Intense vehicle usage includes towing or hauling heavy loads, driving in stop-and-go traffic, making many short trips, and driving on rough terrain. Check your vehicle’s oil level and quality frequently to make sure that you’re staying on top of maintenance.

While heavily used vehicles demand more frequent service, even idle vehicles still need an oil change every six months. Motor oil is made of compounds that degrade over time, decreasing its ability to properly lubricate the engine. So to safeguard your vehicle’s engine, be sure to change its oil before hitting the highway for a long drive.

Types of motor oil

There are three main types of motor oil: conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. Conventional oil is the cheapest, but it also breaks down the fastest and doesn’t perform optimally under high-heat, high-intensity conditions. Therefore, it can be an affordable pick for your commuter vehicle, but it’s less ideal for a truck that tows and hauls heavy equipment. Full synthetic oils are typically the most expensive, but they’re long lasting and tough enough to withstand both heavy usage and extreme temperatures. Synthetic blend is optimal for most drivers — it combines an affordable price point and a longer lifespan than conventional oil. For guidance on picking the right oil for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or chat with the expert technicians at Bill Harris Auto Center.

The risks of neglecting your car’s oil

Skipping oil changes can have lasting consequences on your vehicle. Since oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance, neglecting them will invalidate your vehicle’s warranty.

Putting off oil changes will also lead to your vehicle underperforming. Old oil gums up the works of the engine, leading to a lower power output, a rougher ride, and a more sluggish driving experience. You’ll also end up paying more at the pump — since the grit and metal shavings in dirty oil causes friction, the engine will burn more fuel.

In addition to making your vehicle sluggish and inefficient, all of that friction can lead to excess heat buildup. All of that heat can cause your car’s engine parts to warp and malfunction, often leading to total engine failure. This can throw a serious wrench in the works — it’s costly to replace an engine, and you may end up having to replace your entire vehicle.

Ready to step up your car care routine? Contact Bill Harris Auto Center in Ashland, Ohio to schedule your vehicle’s next oil change