Oil changes will be one of the most common car maintenance tasks you will provide for your vehicle throughout its lifetime. It is one of many important fluids that maintain your engine, the heart of your car. If not properly maintained, engine repairs can make it nearly impossible to save a good car. Why is the oil so important to the engine? What does it do that keeps your car running?
Oil is a lubricating agent for the working parts of your engine. Whether you have a standard shift transmission or an automatic transmission, the oil helps minimize metal to metal scratching, creating harmful friction to the working parts. Friction generates heat, causing a series of problems that will eventually shut your engine down. By properly lubricating the system with oil, you help maintain an appropriate temperature and keep parts from damaging each other.
When you look at the engine under the hood, you will notice a metallic film all over every working part. This is the oil that has been distributed for proper lubrication. The oil however, needs to be periodically replaced not only for level but also for quality. Overtime, the oil wears away from the engine parts and more oil is then distributed to replace it. An oil change ensures that there is always enough oil for your car to draw upon to maintain the engine.
Oil may also burn or pick up residue from the engine. If the oil quality has been compromised, the slick lubrication becomes sticky and gunk build up causes working parts to malfunction. Oil changes also make sure that this doesn't happen, by providing new oil that is in excellent condition.
The important part about oil changes is that they are done regularly. You may choose to rely on the sticker your mechanic puts on the upper left hand corner of your windshield or you can periodically check the quality of oil every couple thousand miles. Never drive your car too many miles over the limit and never neglect the level and quality of your oil, otherwise you will put unnecessary strain on the engine causing necessary repairs or complete replacement.
To make sure you're getting the most out of each change is to make sure that you're getting a high quality oil in your tank so that it lasts as long as it should. Some car makes and models may require a certain grade of oil, so in the very least make sure your car has what is appropriate. You can also save money by learning how to change oil yourself as frequently as you see fit, but it requires some time and training to do it right. Otherwise, the cost of an oil change is pretty minor, ranging from $20-$60 maximum.
By : Alfred Ardis
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