When Should You Request An Oil Change For Your Car?
A car oil change is one of the most basic needs for vehicles with internal combustion engines. Modern oils hold up very well. Consequently, people often feel like they can run their vehicles for long periods between oil changes. However, oil changes are necessary and need to happen regularly. When should you request an auto oil change?
Recent Purchase
Knowing the basic maintenance schedule for your car makes life a lot simpler. If you just bought a car, schedule an auto oil change. Even if it's a new car from an authorized dealer, you don't know how long it sat on the lot or in storage. Ordering a car oil change is the best way to know exactly when the maintenance happened and what product is in the vehicle's engine.
Before a Long Trip
Fresh oil makes a huge difference in a car's performance. If you're going on a long trip, changing the oil is a simple way to squeeze a little more fuel economy out of your ride. Likewise, you'll be able to trust that the oil won't break down during the trip. Unless you're driving an older car that uses a natural product, you should be able to drive the whole way across the country before the car needs another change.
Rough Driving
Not all travel is equal in terms of the wear it places on an engine. If you're commuting to and from work in lots of stop-and-go traffic, you should arrange a car oil change a little sooner than the manufacturer recommends. The same applies if you're driving the vehicle in hilly or mountainous terrain. If you're asking your vehicle to pull a trailer or haul a heavy load, an auto oil change is wise.
Rough driving is always a reason to change the oil more often. Oil viscosity breaks down faster under stress and heat. These driving patterns trigger that sort of breakdown.
Sitting
Daily temperature variations can cause the lighter parts of oil to separate. If the vehicle sits for months without going anywhere, the heavier part of the oil can settle inside the engine. This happens even in relatively mild parts of the country, too.
In extreme cases, a technician may have to flush the engine to clear the sludgy oil out before they can do a change. Even if you drove the car a couple of times during an otherwise long period of sitting, it's wise to schedule an appointment.
Contact a professional to learn more about car oil changes.
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