Why Oil Change is Important

Closeup engine oil cap in engine room at modern car. Interior of car.

Learn More About an Oil Change

Each car will have specific maintenance checks that need to be provided every now and then. According to your owner’s manual and condition of your car, there will be guidelines on when to impart certain services such as an oil change for your vehicle. It’s especially important that an oil change is handled in a timely manner as essentially this is what makes your car operate smoothly, without enough oil you can see parts age prematurely and performance issues emerge. As with any car service, make sure to confer with a professional mechanic to see what can be done to help your car. Until then, here is some basic background information concerning an oil change that can prove useful to you.

What happens if you go too long without an oil change?

If you go long enough without an oil change eventually you can experience complete engine failure. When it’s been so long that oil turns into sludge that means it will no longer draw heat away from the engine. This can mean that the engine can eventually overheat enough to seize up or blow a gasket.

What color oil is bad?

Although oil can be very dark or blackened it can still work well. However, with new and clean oil you’ll have an amber color. With engine oil becoming darker this can point towards contaminants being present, high heat, or additives that caused the oil to darken after normal use.

Does low oil affect acceleration?

Low oil won’t provide as much lubrication for mechanical parts to move and operate smoothly. Therefore you may have more sluggish acceleration with your car as well as the feeling that the engine is down on power.

Will your car shake if you need an oil change?

If you require an oil change, the high level of friction of your car’s engine without lubrication can affect the quality of the ride. More specifically, you’ll feel abnormal shaking and vibrations when your car is idling. If you find our car is close to really needing an oil change try to not have your car idle too much until you can get it fixed.

Low oil pressure lamp and liquid stream of motorcycle motor oil flows from the neck of the bottle close-up

How do you know when your car needs an oil change?

  • The check engine and/or oil change light is glowing
  • There’s a knocking noise or other noise coming from the engine.
  • You smell oil inside the car.
  • You notice dirty and dark oil.
  • There’s exhaust smoke emitting from your hood or inside your car.
  • Mileage is an excessive amount.

What oil change do I need?

With cars that require conventional oil, it’s recommended to have an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles to maintain mechanics. Although some synthetic oils can last from 10,000-15,000 miles it’s usually a good idea to change it every 7,500 miles.

How often do you really need to change your oil?

An oil change is typically recommended to occur every three months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. Yet other car models may implement it at even 7,500-10,000 miles later. Ultimately it will depend on the age and make of your vehicle, your driving habits and the type of oil that you use.

How much should an oil change cost?

An oil change can cost anywhere on a minimum of $20-$25 and at most $50-$55. 

Change Oil or Filter

If you’re wondering whether you need an oil change or filter change it’s best to consider the age of your filter. Many car manufactures will usually suggest that you change your oil filter every other time that you have your oil changed while parts and oil manufacturers say to replace it every time you get new oil. 

Will my car run better after an oil change?

An oil change will provide a lot of noticeable benefits such as improving the gas mileage of your car when oil changes are done regularly. Better lubrication of your car between metal parts will increase the engine’s performance and will have it not use as much gas since it will work more efficiently.

Contact Your Local Auto Service Company to Schedule An Appointment

When you require an oil change service it’s best to rely on your local auto repair service company to do the task. Only a professional will be able to provide an inspection as well as other services that may need to be implemented in order to comply with what’s needed for smoother vehicle operations. An oil change is something that is recommended differently with differing car makes and models so it’s best to refer to your owners’ manual or the word of your mechanic when you’re looking to schedule any for the future. Have your car in smoother operations with healthier conditions and get an oil change today!

If you need help with a oil change in Schaumburg, IL call 847-895-9131 with Express Auto Repair & Emissions!