Getting your oil changed is an important part of proper car maintenance. The oil in your car serves to reduce friction between the engine’s moving parts, which prevents them from heating up. Over time the oil becomes less effective at this job and will eventually need to be replaced with fresh oil. Our team here at Highway Tire Auto & Lube wants to help you take the best possible care of your vehicle, and to help you do that we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about oil change service and when to get it.
- How to Check Your Oil Level- Before we get into changing the oil, let’s first talk about how to make sure your car has enough oil. If you have a newer model, you may be able to just check an electronic sensor, but if your car is older, you’ll need to check using the dipstick under the hood. First, park your car, pull out the stick, and wipe it off. Then push it all the way back in to get a reading, and check the oil level against the markers on the dipstick–if the level falls under the lower line or label, you’ll need to top it up.
- How Often to Change the Oil- Another frequent question that we get here at Highway Tire Auto & Lube is how often drivers need oil change services. The best answer to this question is to consult your owner’s manual and see what the guidelines are for your particular model. In general, though, most experts recommend getting your oil changed twice a year, even if you haven’t reached the recommended mileage limit between changes. The reason for this is that motor oil becomes less effective as it ages, so for best results it’s best to keep your oil fresh.
- How to Choose the Right Oil- Choosing what oil to put in your car is another important step in car maintenance. Fortunately, this one is also pretty simple to figure out by consulting your owner’s manual and reading different oil labels. If you need further guidance on this step, or prefer to leave it up to the experts, our team at Highway Tire Auto & Lube is here to make sure that you get the best oil and best oil change service for your vehicle.