A vehicle's oil change is one of the most important routine maintenance tasks. You may have some questions pertaining to oil changes, such as "why should I change it", "how often should I change it" and "how much will it cost"?
Here are some tips for you to check and follow.
The Importance of Oil Change
There are many moving parts in automobile engines. The friction caused by these parts moving and rubbing together results in heat. This allows the internal parts of the engine to cooperate effectively, without overheating, by lubricating the engine and absorbing heat.
The oil in an engine degrades over time as it is driven. If this happens, the parts of the engine will wear out faster and become less effective.Changing oil on time is essential if you want to keep your vehicle running as long as you own it.
6 signs tell you it’s time for an oil change:
1. Engine or oil change light
Normally, the automobile will be the first to alert you to low oil levels. A light will illuminate on your dashboard when there is not enough oil in your vehicle. What is the purpose of the check engine light? The problem could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be a failed sensor, wiring, connector, or worse, a MISFIRE.
2. Excessive mileage
It is recommended that you change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles or three months. You may also consult the owner's manual for more specific guidelines. In the event that you have driven a lot of miles lately, consider whether an oil change is required sooner than usual.
3. Engine noise and knocking
The engine noise will increase if the oil isn't performing well. Your engine may even make rattling or knocking sounds if it lacks lubrication in severe cases.
4. Engine oil turn dark
Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. As it is used, it becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. You must be vigilant and check your engine oil regularly for early detection. You should also keep an eye on your car's oil levels. If the oil is below the minimum mark, you need to add oil.
5. Oil smell inside the car
If you smell oil inside the car, it can often mean an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle may be overheating.
6. Exhaust smoke
Some translucent vapor will always come out of cars' tailpipes, but if this changes to smoke, it’s time for an engine check-up.
How Often You Need to Change Oil?
The interval between oil changes depends on factors such as vehicle age, type of oil, and driving conditions. 3,000 miles used to be the normal interval between oil changes. AAA makes some recommendations based on the age of the vehicle.
About Older Cars
There is a maintenance schedule for older cars which consists of one for use under "normal" conditions and the other for use under "severe" conditions. The second schedule involves road conditions that could include:
Primarily short trips (5 miles or less)
Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
Sustained stop-and-go driving
Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer
However, if you drive your car under normal operation, be wary of spending hard-earned money on oil change services and other maintenance work your car may not need.
About Newer Cars
Modern cars are equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that automatically determine when an oil change is due and alert the driver.
Despite less frequent oil changes on newer engines, you must regularly check and top off the oil. It is important to keep the levels of oil in your car at an appropriate level.
Even if you don't put a lot of miles on your car in a year, most automakers still recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder doesn't come on.
Tools You Need to Change Oil
Main Feature:
Extracting the used oil.
Benefits:
★ Easy and efficient way to extract oil
★ No more dirty-hand and clean job
★ No chance of oil leak
★ No need to lift your car up
★ No need to visit a mechanic
Main Feature:
Pouring the clean oil in the engine.
Benefits:
★ Easy way to add your engine oil
★ No chance of oil leak
Main Feature:
Remove cartridge and spin-on style oil filter system.
Benefits:
★ Easy and fast removal the spin-on filter
★ Saves effort
★ Avoid damaging the filter cover
There’s another way to change oil without oil extractor. You will need floor jack and wheel chocks to lift up and crawl under the vehicle. You will also need a drain pan to collect the used oil. After that, a container is needed to carry and dispose of the oil to a recycling center.
Overall, it is particularly easy and saves effort when you have the oil extractor, as you do not have to crawl under the car. Furthermore, you may not need the latex gloves and excessive tools anymore as the oil extractor makes oil changing easier and cleaner.
*Before changing your own engine oil, consult the owner's manual to confirm the type and amount of oil that's required.
