When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, a regular oil change is the most important thing you can do for your vehicle. Oil is like the life blood of your vehicle. It creates a seal between the rings, pistons, and cylinder walls. It lubricates, cleans, and cools your engine and ensures that all moving parts are moving freely. If you live in Birmingham or Trussville, you can bring your vehicle into Serra Toyota for an oil change to ensure your vehicle is running well.
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There are three main types of oil to choose from depending on your vehicle’s needs:
Conventional Moror Oil: The first type of oil is derived from crude oil with several additives, and it is usually the preferred type for vehicle models prior to 10 or 15 years ago.
Synthetic Motor Oil: This type of oil is made from man-made ingredients with several additives. Full synthetic oil is better for your engine if your vehicle can use it due to the purity and uniform molecular structure of the man-made ingredients found in it, with an added environmental benefit that there are also more cost-saving synthetic blends available.
High-mileage Motor Oil: Prepared especially for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this type of motor oil contains anti-wear additives that help prolong the life of high-mileage vehicles. It is available in conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend formulas.
Frequency of Oil Changes
In general, vehicles manufactured in the last decade or so should have oil changes performed about every 5,000-7,000 miles according to manufacturer recommendations. For most modern motor vehicles, a full-synthetic oil is usually recommended. Engines today do not require as frequent oil changes with synthetic oil as when you use conventional oil. If you’re still driving a vehicle that uses conventional oil, it probably makes sense to change the oil every 3,000 miles. The best practice would be to consult your owner’s manual for recommendations.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change
If it has been a while since you had an oil change or you’re not sure if you need one, here are some signs that you may be due:
If you’re driving a vehicle with an oil change reminder light on the dash and it lights up, it’s time to have your oil changed.
If you check your oil and the oil on your dipstick is dark brown or black, you need an oil change. Clean oil is a transparent amber or brown color and will be free of dirt, debris and particles.
If your vehicle is overheating, poor lubrication could be the cause. Old dirty oil does not protect or lubricate well, and because of that it can cause overheating.
If you’re hearing grinding or tapping noises or a “metal on metal” sound, that sound may be your engine warning you that your oil level is too low to properly protect your engine.
