In comparison to other tasks you will need done for your vehicle, getting a regular oil change is relatively inexpensive. If one does not keep up with recommended oil changes, they could be paying for a significant amount of repairs down the road, potentially for a brand new engine due to engine failure. In essence, it is not a good idea to procrastinate on getting your vehicle's oil changed. Two different types of oil are available: synthetic--which is more expensive but will last longer--and regular.
Why Should I Get My Oil Changed?
Clean oil prevents parts of the engine from sticking together. Vehicles need oil changes because once time has gone by, oil will begin to clump together and not flow as smoothly as it used to. When you receive an oil change, old oil is drained out of the vehicle. Your oil filter is also replaced, because it now has sludge and dirt inside from when the oil has traveled through it. The oil is also replaced to better help with oil distribution throughout the engine. If you do not receive an oil change, clogs may occur and dirt may build up, which as indicated above can result in an engine that will no longer serve you because of a now-cracked and leaky engine. Pistons and valves in the engine will fail and make for a disastrous recipe.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
How often you will need an oil change depends on how often your vehicle is driven. Each time you drive the vehicle, you put stress on the oil's lubricant that keeps engine parts separated. It is recommended that vehicle owners get an oil change either every 3,000 miles or every three months. With synthetic oil, an owner can go up to 9,300 miles or one year. What is interesting is that in older vehicles owners used to have to get oil changes every 500 miles to make for a vehicle that ran well, which means that vehicles have gone through some technological advancements throughout the years.
Recommendations & Conclusions
It is recommended that one ultimately gets oil changes ahead of when they anticipate using their vehicle the most eg. in the spring for summer travel. To be sure of what you should do with your type of vehicle in regards to oil changes--what type of oil you should get and how often the changes should happen--it is wise to consult the owner's manual for your vehicle. The dealership is also available to counsel you on oil changes.