When it comes time for your vehicle to have its oil and filter changed, you might think that this ordinary task is exactly that- ordinary.<\/p>\n
The truth, however, is that there are multiple aspects and questions about changing the oil on your ride than meet the eye.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the biggest three questions that the mechanics at My Mechanic hear most often include the three W\u2019s- When, What, and Who.<\/p>\n
The Three Big W\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n You may not give your car\u2019s oil a second thought, but when people do, they frequently ask: Pre-2000, the recommended mileage for oil changes was 3,500 miles but is this necessary? Today\u2019s modern engines frequently use synthetic oil or a synthetic blend and if you read the owner\u2019s manual, chances are that it says 5,000-7,500 miles.<\/p>\n Some vehicles even have oil change indicators, which rely on the mileage interval pre-programmed at the factor combined with your mileage.<\/p>\n Which is the right number?<\/strong> Generally speaking, if you don\u2019t drive in extreme conditions, then 5,000 to 7,500 is usually a good indicator. The same is true if you use a synthetic or a synthetic blend. If the oil manufacturer says to change the oil every 15,000, then chances are that you can rely on that mileage.<\/p>\n What are extreme conditions?<\/strong> If you run a lot of short errands or drive less than 10 miles before you shut off the engine, if you live in an area that is very dusty or muddy, if you do deliveries and turn the car off and on frequently or if you drive in very hot weather, your usage is considered extreme and oil changes should be done more frequently.<\/p>\n Still confused?<\/strong> Stop by My Mechanic and talk to one of our experts about what type of mileage you can expect to get out of an oil change based on the age of your vehicle and your driving habits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. What type of oil should I use in my car?<\/strong> Not sure what those are? Let\u2019s look at the 4 basic types of engine oil:<\/p>\n What type of oil should you use in your vehicle? This will depend on what the manufacturer recommends, your driving habits, and what you are willing to pay.<\/p>\n If you use your vehicle for towing or hauling very heavy items frequently, if you live in an area that is very dusty or dirty, your vehicle might benefit from synthetic oil.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Who should change the oil?<\/strong> The perfect person to change the oil in your vehicle is an ASE-certified mechanic who will not just change the oil and filter, but someone who will inspect your vehicle for any possible problems while they are doing this job.<\/p>\n Oh yes, and let\u2019s not forget that this person needs to have a place to dispose of the used oil that is environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n An ASE-certified mechanic, like the ones here at My Mechanic, will inspect the air filters, tire pressure, belts, and hoses, to name a few.<\/p>\n You might be shocked at the number of people who avoid breakdowns and the costly consequences of breaking down at certain times simply because a mechanic spotted a problem as they were changing the oil.<\/p>\n You can trust the experts at My Mechanic to give your car a thorough once over to ensure that everything appears to be In good working order.<\/p>\n That\u2019s the peace of mind that every driver wants, right? Knowing that your vehicle is in the best possible condition and ready for whatever lies ahead.<\/p>\n The Oil Change Habit That Can Boost Mileage<\/strong><\/p>\n Synthetic oil allows for lower viscosity and still protects from wear and better cold flow than conventional oils. This can lead to increased fuel economy.<\/p>\n Since synthetic oil is more \u201cslippery\u201d, it reduces friction inside the motor. If you can imagine sliding on the ice on a piece of plastic or sliding on a waxed piece of plastic, you can picture how the more slippery waxed plastic will go faster.<\/p>\n Of course, bad driving habits can offset any mileage benefits of synthetic oil, but most people experience enough of a difference in their MPG that once they try synthetic oil, they stick with it.<\/p>\n The Bottom Line<\/p>\n While synthetic motor oils hold up better for more miles, they do cost more and no oil will last forever.<\/p>\n Getting regular oil changes is what is important and you can ask the pros at My Mechanic when you should get your next oil change if you are unsure.<\/p>\n Is it almost time for your next service?<\/strong> Call the friendly staff at My Mechanic right now for an appointment. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your ride has been approved for that road trip you\u2019ve been thinking about.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When it comes time for your vehicle to have its oil and filter changed, you might think that this ordinary task is exactly that- ordinary. The truth, however, is that there are multiple aspects and questions about changing the oil on your ride than meet the eye. Perhaps the biggest three questions that the mechanics […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2950,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[63,79,23,71,64],"tags":[29,31,78,70,66,80,69],"class_list":["post-2933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-tips","category-oil-changes","category-resources","category-spring-travel","category-summer-travel","tag-car-service","tag-oil-change","tag-replacing-filters","tag-save-money-at-the-pump","tag-summer-travel","tag-synthetic-oil","tag-travel-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
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\n1. When does the oil in my car need to be changed?<\/strong>
\nThe answer to this one isn\u2019t as simple as it might sound. Sure, you can always go with the oil manufacturer\u2019s recommended mileage, or you could follow your car manufacturer\u2019s recommended mileage or you could follow the advice you get from your dad, aunt, or grandparents but when all three answers are different ones, which do you choose as the right one?<\/p>\n
\nFirst, check the owner\u2019s manual to see what type of oil the manufacturer recommends. Even if your vehicle uses conventional motor oil, you still have the option of using synthetic oil or a synthetic blend.<\/p>\n\n
\nThis seems like a no-brainer, but the answer isn\u2019t as obvious as it might appear.<\/p>\n