Routine vehicle maintenance is what keeps your vehicle performing at its best, even as time goes on and the miles add up. One of the most important parts of routine maintenance is an oil change. Oil changes are what keeps your vehicle's engine healthy and in good condition. To learn more about routine maintenance or to schedule an oil change, call or come by Premier Autos of Dallas near Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas. Our highly trained service technicians have what it takes to provide the best care possible for your vehicle
Why Are Oil Changes Important?
There are multiple reasons why oil changes are so important. If performed properly and on the right schedule, oil changes will provide an array of benefits for your vehicle. The main reason why a vehicle needs oil changes is that they prevent engine failure and costly repairs. Here are some of how oil changes improve and protect your vehicle:
Improves Gas Mileage
A vehicle with poor fuel economy can cost you a lot of money on fuel, especially if it's driven regularly. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, every driver can benefit from an improved fuel economy. Luckily, you can achieve a higher MPG for your vehicle with something as simple as routine oil changes.
A Longer Lasting Engine
It's no secret that an engine needs to be in good shape for a vehicle to run properly. A vehicle is a big investment, and oil changes are a part of what helps you protect it. Oil protects the engine by lubricating and preventing harmful buildup of dirt and debris. Without it, your engine will endure serious damage that results in costly repairs or even engine failure. Overall, a longer-lasting engine means a longer-lasting vehicle.
Cleans and Protects
Over time, dirt, sludge, and harmful materials build up inside a vehicle's engine. Oil is what cleans the engine of such materials, which is why it's important to give your vehicle new oil when it runs low or when the current oil gets old. A clean engine will keep your vehicle running properly and performing at its best.
How Do I Know When It's Time for an Oil Change?
There are a few different things to consider when trying to decipher if it's time for your vehicle's next oil change. The frequency of oil changes for your vehicle will depend on its specific make, model, and how many miles your vehicle has accumulated since its last oil change. Your vehicle's year will also determine how frequently it needs an oil change. For example, if your vehicle is a year 2007 or earlier, it could need an oil change every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your vehicle is a 2008 or later, it could need an oil change every six months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. The only way to know for sure what your vehicle's maintenance schedule looks like is to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or come by Premier Autos of Dallas for advice from our service technicians.
Oil Change Service FAQs
Your oil change is one of the most important services for your vehicle, but you might still have a few questions. Below, you’ll see a few of the most common ones that we hear at Premier Autos of Dallas.
Once we change your oil, we’ll give you a sticker on your windshield. It gives you an estimated date and an estimated mileage number. Once you pass either of these, it’s time to get your oil changed. If you want to test your oil the traditional way, then you can use your dipstick. Before you take a reading, it’s important to wipe off the dipstick so that you get accurate results. You should check both the level and color of your oil when you take the dipstick out.
When you first put oil in your engine, it’s a nice amber color. Oil eventually picks up contaminants and soot over time, though, which turns it into a dark shade of black. This shows just how much your oil can degrade as the weeks go by, which is why it needs to be replaced frequently.
An oil leak is a fire-alarm in the automotive world. It means that your engine could be running low, or completely out of oil. If that happens, then it’s only a matter of time before the engine overheats or starts to knock. This is dangerous for your other parts too, as if they get soaked in oil, they might not be able to do their job. For example, an oil-soaked starter isn’t going to be able to start your vehicle. If you notice a leak, you should head to a mechanic immediately.
Older vehicles are normally only compatible with conventional oil, but newer models can either use conventional oil or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is a man-made variant that’s designed with your engine in mind. It tends to last longer, and it’s better at lubricating your engine. If you’re not sure which oil is right for you, then you can always ask our mechanics for their professional opinion.
When you get your oil changed, you’ll be given a sticker that gives you a recommended mileage and date for your next service. Once you’ve made it past this marker, it’s important to service your vehicle as soon as possible. Some drivers will try to push their limits by going a few miles over, but you could be risking the health of your engine.
While your engine is sure to appreciate a fresh batch of oil, it doesn’t change the fact that it still has old, contaminated oil coursing through it. When you change your oil, you’re not just giving your engine new oil, you’re also draining all of the contaminants from your engine. This is why it’s important to completely replace your oil when you change it.
Diesel trucks need oil changes even more frequently than normal cars do. Diesel motor oil is also slightly different. It tends to have more additives, since diesel engines are dirtier on average.