Why Should Your Motor Oil and Oil Filter be Changed Frequently?

Motor oil is important for vehicles because it lubricates the engine’s components.  This allows the components to pass through each other with a less friction. This allows the car processes to operate at the correct speed and eliminates major wear and tear to car parts. Essentially, motor oil helps create a barrier between the parts that allows them to slide past one another more easily. This allows the vehicles efficiency, power, and performance to increase improving the vehicles longevity. Motor oil also helps by cooling the engine. While the oil circulates it is diffusing the heat throughout the process. Lastly, motor oil cleans debris between parts. In order for an engine to work properly it must stay clean. Oil filters are the key aspect in keeping harmful particles out of your engine.

Where is the oil filter located?

Oil filters are located in different areas under the hood, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. To properly find the correct location, our technicians will check your owner’s manual that provides a detailed description. For the most protection, your vehicle’s oil filter should be changed every time the oil is changed. The owner’s manual can also be referenced for the correct filter and type of oil to use. If the owner’s manual is not available, a copy of it can found free of cost on the manufactures website. Not utilizing the correct oil can damage the vehicle.  The same can be said with putting in too much oil, which can put too much pressure on the parts causing them not to work properly. 

How often should you change your motor oil?

It is recommended that you change your vehicle’s oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Pay attention because the amount of time recommended between oil changes can also vary on larger vehicles versus smaller ones. While newer vehicles typically have a setting on the dashboard that will indicate the oil life, it is still important to have a routine checkup of the engine’s oil level on a regular basis. Motor oil can become dirty quickly depending on the driving time of the vehicle and even leak, which will cause major problems under the hood and potentially cost ample amounts of money to fix.

Checking your vehicles oil level

In between your vehicles regular routine oil change, it is important that you check your oil approximately once every two weeks.  This is especially important if you will be traveling a long distance. Before checking the oil level, make sure the engine is cool. If you notice that the color of the oil is dark brown or black this indicates that the motor oil is dirty and should be replaced. To prevent premature damage to your engine, check your engine’s oil level consistently.  This will help ensure the effectiveness of your vehicle, including increasing fuel economy and the overall driving condition of your vehicle. Vehicles are one of the biggest investments consumers make, so making sure that the vehicle is being taken care of properly will help with its life.