Car Engine Oil Change: How Often?
Why is it important to change your car’s oil?
Your car’s engine oil is responsible for a number of important functions, including:
- Lubricating the moving parts of the engine
- Cooling the engine
- Removing contaminants from the engine
Over time, engine oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal shavings, and other pollutants. This can reduce the oil’s ability to lubricate and cool the engine, which can lead to serious damage.
How often should you change your car’s oil?
The frequency with which you need to change your car’s oil depends on a number of factors, including:
- The type of oil you use
- The age of your car
- The driving conditions you typically encounter
In general, most experts recommend changing your car’s oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, if you use synthetic oil, you may be able to go longer between oil changes, up to 10,000 miles or more.
If you drive in severe conditions, such as in stop-and-go traffic or in dusty or dirty environments, you may need to change your oil more often.
How to change your car’s oil
Changing your car’s oil is a relatively simple task that can be done in about 30 minutes. Here are the steps:
1. Gather your materials. You will need:
- New oil filter
- New oil (check your owner’s manual for the recommended type and amount)
- Oil drain pan
- Wrench
2. Warm up your car. This will help the oil to drain more easily.
3. Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
4. Locate the oil drain plug. It is usually located on the bottom of the oil pan.
5. Place the oil drain pan under the oil drain plug.
6. Use the wrench to loosen the oil drain plug.
7. Allow the oil to drain out into the oil drain pan.
8. Once the oil has drained out, replace the oil drain plug and tighten it.
9. Locate the oil filter. It is usually located near the top of the engine.
10. Use the wrench to loosen the oil filter.
11. Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new oil filter.
12. Tighten the oil filter.
13. Add the new oil to the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended amount.
14. Check the oil level and add more oil if necessary.
15. Start your car and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil.
16. Check for leaks.
Tips for saving money on oil changes
Here are a few tips for saving money on oil changes:
- Buy your own oil and filter. You can often find oil and filters at a discount at auto parts stores.
- Change your oil yourself. It is not a difficult task and it can save you a lot of money.
- Take advantage of oil change coupons. Many auto repair shops offer coupons for oil changes.
- Get a loyalty card. Some auto repair shops offer loyalty cards that give you discounts on oil changes and other services.
Conclusion
Changing your car’s oil is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change your oil yourself and save money. You can also save money by taking advantage of oil change coupons and loyalty cards.
