The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

You’ve purchased your dream vehicle, and you’re looking forward to years of enjoyment. Is there any way you can help ensure your dream car remains in great working condition for as long as you own it? There are a variety of ways to take care of your vehicle. One way, and probably the most common, is making sure you schedule regular oil changes. In this case, it is less important to find a shop that does a quick oil change and more so to find a reliable mechanic who provides quality and routine oil changes. At McCluskey Chevy you can be sure to get a quality oil change in Cincinnati and help keep your vehicle running properly. There are several key reasons why regular oil changes are beneficial when it comes to taking care of your vehicle.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Most people may not realize that an oil change, which is a fairly quick process, is a cost-effective measure from a couple of different perspectives.

First, an oil change is simply inexpensive. On average, consumers can expect to pay between $20 and $55 when technicians use regular oil. If synthetic oil is used, consumers can expect to pay a little more, usually between $40 and $70. The reason synthetic oil is slightly more expensive is primarily due to its composition and physical properties.

Synthetic oil, like regular oil, can be derived from crude oil. However, synthetic oil contains “higher quality base oils” that undergo a much more intense refinement process. It also contains other additives that heighten its ability to prevent engine wear and tear. Speaking of physical properties, synthetic oil is very viscous, making it less likely to break down, thus increasing the longevity of its preventive properties. It’s viscous property also enables it to continue working at its peak performance level even in extreme hot and cold climatic conditions, which, in turn, ensures your engine continues to work properly.

When you need an oil change, you have quite a few options.

You can visit one of many companies that specialize in oil changes, such as Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, Midas, and Meineke. Many times, these franchise locations offer specials, as well as coupons. Prior to your appointment, visit their websites to see if there are any offers that can further discount your service costs. Please keep in mind; these are some of the most popular companies that offer oil changes. There may be other companies that are location-specific to your city or region. Be sure to do your research and shop around.

You can also visit the car dealership where you purchased your vehicle. Lifetime or discounted oil changes are becoming more popular as standard incentives. Dealerships see this perk as a win-win situation that encourages consumers to shop at their dealership and/or purchase a certain vehicle. The consumer receives a reduction in out-of-pocket maintenance costs and peace of mind that they are being proactive in extending the life of their vehicle. So, before you purchase your next vehicle, inquire about oil-change incentives.

If you enjoy DIY projects, you can change your vehicle’s oil. Like any other DIY project, if you were not gifted with instructional insight regarding this process, you can easily learn the process through a variety of avenues.
YouTube, as with most things, is a popular source. The “Dummies” book series and website can provide valuable insight and act as an ongoing resource. Also, don’t overlook asking a knowledgeable family member or friend to give you some tips.
In addition to the physical aspect of changing your vehicle’s oil, be sure to determine the correct type, amount, and weight of the recommended oil for your vehicle, as well as right oil filter, to ensure you successfully complete the process.
Remember this is only a partial list of options when it comes to learning how to change the oil in your vehicle. Conduct your own research to choose a teaching method that you’re most comfortable with.

Secondly, an oil exchange is a cost-effective measure that helps lower the probability you will experience future expenses associated with mechanical repairs, which, at worst, could entail engine failure. Here is a more in-depth look at how the composition and physical properties of oil plays an important role in preventing engine wear and tear.

Scientifically speaking, whenever metal rubs against or slides across metal, friction occurs. According to the Oxford Dictionary, friction is the “resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.” The best way to reduce friction is to incorporate a fluid into the equation. In the case of a vehicle engine, that fluid is oil. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine. This lubrication process reduces the wear and tear on the engine by removing particles, keeping the system clean, and reducing hot spots. As a result, you will typically notice an increase in fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Reduced Emissions and Increased Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to internal combustion engines, burning off oil is a natural process. The concern comes in when your vehicle burns oil excessively, which results in higher carbon emissions and a lower fuel-efficiency rating. Excessive carbon emissions are usually the result of dirty oil being burned off. Dirty oil also reduces your fuel efficiency because it’s less effective in lubricating the engine, which increases friction. With the increased friction, as noted earlier, you’re less likely to get good gas mileage.

Regular oil changes can reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency because fresh, clean oil is less likely to burn as much in comparison to oil that has been lubricating your vehicle for a long period of time and accumulating dirty particles.

When it comes to your engine burning oil, it’s important to not compare what’s happening with your vehicle to any another vehicle. The amount of oil your engine burns is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of engine, characteristics of your vehicle specifically, environmental conditions, and your vehicle’s age. So, please consult certified professionals to assess your vehicle.

Complimentary Vehicle Inspection

A great secondary benefit of performing regularly scheduled oil changes is most dealerships and companies that specialize in oil changes also offer a complimentary check of your vehicle’s major systems. A complimentary checklist may include checking the tire pressure and condition of all four tires, the transmission fluid level, the windshield wiper fluid level, the condition of the windshield wipers, the battery voltage, the condition of the fuel and air filters, and belts.

Once your technician has completed your oil change and vehicle inspection, and no immediate concerns were discovered, you will receive an inspection checklist, which the technician will review with you. This checklist outlines the specific areas of your vehicle that were inspected and how your vehicle ranked regarding wear and tear and in respect to how likely there are any issues that need to be addressed in the near future.

In the case that serious concerns are discovered, the technician will usually reach out to you during the inspection process to make you aware of them and ask if you would like the facility to perform the repair or replacement while the technician is completing the oil change.

Now that you know getting regularly scheduled oil changes are necessary when it comes to extending the life of your vehicle, here is some additional information to determine when those oil changes should be scheduled.
Guidelines have changed as technological advances have help engineers build better cars. Most vehicles require an oil change every five months or 5,000 miles. However, factors such as the type of vehicle, the native climate and weather conditions in your area, whether you drive a lot in stop-and-go traffic, whether you use your vehicle for towing, and the age of your vehicle. If any of these factors play a significant role in your vehicle’s operation, that time frame may be reduced. In fact, for quite some time, the average time interval for changing your vehicle’s oil was three months or 3,000 miles.

To determine what’s best for your vehicle, review your owner’s manual, check with your dealership, or review websites that provide vehicle manufacturer information, such as the U.S. Car Care Council.

If you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you for years to come.

To get started on your oil change in Cincinnati today, you can conveniently schedule an appointment online at McCluskey Chevrolet!