How Often Should You Really Change Your Oil?
For years the rule of thumb as always been an oil change every 3 months or 3000 miles, is that still the case as cars and technology have improved? The answer is yes. Allow the experts at Ek Automotive to explain.
Why Oil Changes Matter First and foremost we have to look at why is recommended to change your oil at regular intervals. Oil is the life blood of your engine, it reduces friction on moving parts and thus reduces wear on your engine, it plays a roll in regulating engine temperature and it prevents carbon and other elements building up inside your engine. Over time and as your drive more engine oil chemically degrades and no longer does all those wonderful things nearly as well. Going too long between oil changes can lead to worse engine performance and worse gas mileage.
The Way You Drive Matters Your driving habits can actually have a sizable impact on the life of your engine oil. If you’re driving more aggressively or in a lot of stop and go city traffic it can put more strain on the engine and thus more strain on the engine oil to keep up with demand. Shorter trips where the engine doesn’t get to full operating temperatures can also strain on your engine. As can towing or hauling heavy loads.
Signs You May Be Overdue The best way to check when your oil change is due is by referencing the sticker on the top left of your windshield that we put there every time we change your oil. That will tell you the date and the mileage you’re due for an oil change. Many modern cars now have internal timers to give an indicator on the dashboard you are due to make an oil change appointment. Other signs can include thing like a reduction in fuel efficiency, engine noise and dark or dirty oil on the dip stick.
With all that being said about how important engine is to your cars health and long term function we at Ek Automotive will always recommend sticking with the 3 months or 3000 miles rules. With the full synthetic oil change we offer that number can be bumped up to 5 months and 5000 miles. This is because synthetic oil is much more resistant to that aforementioned chemical break down that occurs with conventional oil. If you believe you need an oil change or have any questions about the life of the oil in your own personal car please do reach out to us and we can help you out. Schedule an oil change today with Ek Automotive today by clicking the link below
