Oil changes are one of the most common types of vehicle maintenance. You need to schedule this service more often than any other. While the simplicity of an oil change might make it easy to overlook, this service is crucial to the health, longevity, and efficiency of your vehicle. Skipping oil changes can produce disastrous results, creating the need for costly repairs that far outweigh the price of an oil change.
Come to New Jersey State Auto Used Cars for fast, reliable oil change services for any vehicle.
Why Are Oil Changes Important?
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Oil is a critical lubricant that helps your engine run smoothly. Oil reduces friction between moving parts in your engine, which helps prevent excessive wear and overheating. Oil also creates a seal around piston rings and cylinder walls to help your engine maintain power and efficiency. Clean oil will protect your engine against corrosion and rust. You run the risk of seriously damaging your vehicle's engine if you operate it with low oil.
Dirty oil is as damaging as low oil, if not more so. Over time, dirt, debris, and tiny pieces of metal will accumulate in your oil. This can actively cause corrosion, which is what clean oil should help you avoid. Oil loses its viscosity over time as well, which makes it less efficient for lubrication. As a result, your vehicle's components may rub vigorously against each other, sustaining wear and costly damage.
How Often Should I Schedule an Oil Change?
Recommendations for oil changes vary by vehicle and driving habits. If you have an older used vehicle or do a lot of towing and stop-and-go driving, you should have your oil changed roughly every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Vehicles with normal operation typically need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you have a newer vehicle that runs on full synthetic oil, you may be able to get by with an oil change every 15,000 miles.
Check the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular make and model for more accurate details on when you should schedule an oil change.
Do I Need to Replace the Oil Filter With My Oil Change?
Your oil filter is responsible for purifying the oil in your vehicle before each pass through the engine. The filter removes small pieces of metal, dirt, and debris from the oil so you have clean, efficient lubrication. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter with every other oil change. However, your mechanic may recommend more frequent filter changes.
It's best to replace the oil filter with every oil change if your vehicle is subject to strenuous driving conditions. This includes operating in extreme temperatures, frequently towing heavy loads, driving on dirt roads, or doing a lot of stop-and-go driving.
What Type of Oil Should I Use?
There are many different types of oil to choose from when you're getting your oil changed. The primary differences between various oils are the:
- Viscosity: The oil's viscosity refers to its ability to flow through the engine. An oil with low viscosity flows well at low temperatures and is better suited to winter driving. High viscosity oils are thicker and better suited to warm weather conditions when you need to worry about the fluid becoming too thin.
- Additives: Additives can account for as much as 25% of the oil's cost. Manufacturers may include additives to help cool the engine, prevent corrosion, and keep components clean.
- Synthetic vs. Conventional: Conventional oil goes through a refining process similar to gasoline, while synthetic oil is man-made. In most cases, synthetic oil is better for newer vehicles, while some older cars may still need conventional oil.
You can consult your vehicle's manual, oil manufacturers' recommendations, and the experienced mechanics at our service center for more detailed insights into which oil is best for your vehicle.
Can I Top Off My Oil Instead of Changing It?
You should check the oil level in your vehicle about once every two weeks. Take the time to check your oil before any type of long drive as well. If the oil level is low but it's not yet time for an oil change, you can take care of your vehicle simply by topping it off.
You should be mindful of how often you need to add oil to your vehicle. Most cars will not require additional oil between oil changes. If you're adding oil to your car every couple of weeks, you likely have a leak that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Topping off the oil is no substitute for an oil change. Stick to the recommended schedule for having your oil changed and make an appointment when you cover the suggested number of miles so you can keep the oil in your vehicle in great shape.
How Long Will an Oil Change Take?
An oil change typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes. This is a simple, routine task that our experienced mechanics can perform quickly. You can cut down on the wait time for an oil change by scheduling an appointment ahead of time. Contact us to find out about appointment availability and the current wait time for oil changes.
Where Should I Get My Oil Changed?
While some drivers elect to change the oil in their vehicles themselves, it's typically best to take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic for all maintenance tasks. You can request a thorough inspection while you're having your oil changed and use this opportunity to identify and address any additional work that the vehicle may need. We're conveniently located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and service vehicles throughout the tri-state area.
If it's time for an oil change, our professionals can help. We'll discuss your vehicle's specific needs with you and recommend the proper frequency for oil changes as well as the most efficient oil choice for the vehicle, the season, and your individual driving habits. If you're in the market for a vehicle, we can help meet your needs there as well. Come to New Jersey State Auto Used Cars for fast and easy vehicle financing and a wide selection of used cars.