Oil Changes
to look for possible problems.
Regular oil changes are the best maintenance you can do to squeeze more miles from your car. Your engine turns at thousands of times every minute and the oil is the only thing that keeps all those moving parts from grinding each other down.
With high heat and weather extremes, your oil is being worn out at the molecular level. Microscopic bits of metal begin to collect in the oil like superfine sandpaper, which is caught in the oil filter.
At some point the oil reaches a point where it’s no longer as slippery and the oil filter begins to clog. That’s why you need to perform regular oil changes and change oil filter.
How many miles between oil changes?
The rule of thumb for oil changes is to do them every 3,000 miles. Your owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s oil change interval suggestion. And the way you use your vehicle can also affect how far between oil changes.
Newer synthetic oils are more expensive but can extend the miles between changes. But be aware that as the miles add up, your engine needs better care. The best idea is to talk with one of our technicians.
Since we’re experts at getting an extra 50, 100, or even 150 thousand miles or more out of vehicles, we’ll give you independent advice on which oil and oil change interval is right for your vehicle.
How to check your oil
As your car runs, small amounts of oil slip into the cylinders and are burned and sent out in the exhaust. Your vehicle may also develop an oil leak. Checking your oil regularly between oil changes is the way to ensure you still have enough oil to safely run you engine. It also gives you an advanced warning that you need to get your car checked if your oil level falls too much between oil changes.
Be sure your car is on a level surface and the engine is cold.
Pull the dipstick and wipe it clean, then reinsert it all the way in until you can’t push it any further. Pull it out again and look at the point where the oil shows. Most dipsticks have a mark to indicate full and another to mark low. The oil should be in between the marks. Some have an etched section on the stick. The level of oil should be in the etched area.
If your oil is low, add just enough to reach the top mark. Do not overfill.
Other things to look at:
- Your oil should not be black and dirty.
- Your oil should not be foamy
- Rub a little oil between your thumb and forefinger. It should be smooth and slippery.
If you have any doubts, bring it by Tires Tires Tires and let one of our certified technicians take a look.
