It does not matter what kind of car you drive or how you use it. The right preventative maintenance can make a world of difference in how long your vehicle lasts and the number of trouble-free miles you can enjoy. If you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will return the favor, lowering your overall cost of driving and helping you stay safer on the road.
While all preventative maintenance is important, the number one thing you can do to preserve your engine and extend the life of your vehicle is change the oil. Changing the oil is an essential part of automotive maintenance, and it is one service you cannot afford to skip.
Why Changing Your Oil is So Important
In order to understand why changing your oil is so important, it is helpful to understand just what that oil does. Whether the vehicle you drive is fresh off the lot or a decade old, the oil you pour in the crankcase lubricates the moving parts in your engine, sheathing them in protection and preventing the movement of metal on metal.
The lubricating action of the oil in your engine is critical, but over time the quality of that oil breaks down. As dirt and debris accumulate, lubrication decreases and friction increases. If you fail to change the oil on a regular basis, that dirt and debris can accumulate, damaging the delicate moving parts inside your engine and leaving you with a big repair bill.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
You know you need to change your oil to keep your engine running smoothly, but how often should you do those regular oil changes? Every vehicle is different, and every manufacturer has a different set of recommendations.
Be sure to read your owner’s manual thoroughly for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Following the recommended maintenance schedule and changing the oil at the recommended intervals is the best way to protect your engine and keep your vehicle running its best.
If you do a lot of hard driving or spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change your oil more frequently. The nature of the miles you drive matters here, so pay attention to your daily driving and make your oil change appointments accordingly.
Changing your oil is the number one thing you can do to protect your vehicle. No matter how often you drive or where you roam, changing the oil at the recommended intervals can protect your engine – and your wallet.
