Oil Change

An oil change is part of vehicle maintenance that keeps the car running effectively and smoothly and keeps the engine healthy. If a car's oil is not changed on a regular basis then the engine can develop sludge, which will slow down its power and lead to other mechanical problems within the operation of the vehicle. Oil changes, along with proper tire pressure, not keeping too much extra weight in the trunk and a regular inspection keep a motor vehicle running smoothly and can help the owner save money on unnecessary repairs down the road.

The oil in a motor vehicle should be changed every three months or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first and should be done by a licensed mechanic at a garage. Drivers can change the oil themselves but must dispense of the old, used oil legally. Never pour the oil down the storm drain; it will hurt and even destroy most parts of the environment. At a garage or at the dealership, the mechanics dispose of the oil in a safe, legal way. The driver of the car will be charged a disposal fee but it comes with the territory of owning a motor vehicle.

Oil changes can take less than one hour to perform, especially if the garage or dealership is not busy at the time of the appointment. For most new models of vehicles, owners take their car to the dealership for maintenance instead of the town mechanic. The dealership has better access to more parts and the mechanics at the dealership are more familiar with their own vehicles than the local mechanic would be.

The motor oil of a motor vehicle does plenty of things to keep the vehicle running smoothly and keeps the engine clean. The motor oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, its cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine. Motor oil is made of petroleum and it consists of hydrocarbons, organic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon.

For different vehicles there are different grades of motor oil. For vehicles with mileage over 70,000 most mechanics recommend a high mileage motor oil. Most vehicles, especially ones just off of the dealership lot, will require a normal, low grade motor oil. There are single grade, multi grade, synthetic and turbine motor oils available on the market today. They can be purchased at a mechanic garage, at the local automotive store and at retail stores that have auto departments in them.

Changing the motor oil in a car's engine is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly and keeping the engine clean. If the oil isn't checked and/or changed ever three months or every 3,000 miles the car will begin to experience problems when running and corrosion will begin to build in the engine. Corrosion will slow the car down and cause damage if it is left there for a prolonged period of time. Oil changes can be scheduled by appointment with a mechanic, at the dealership where the car was purchased or can be done at home by the owner themselves.