What is the Real Story about Oil Changes?
You may be wondering what is really true about oil changes. There is a lot of contradictory information floating around about engine oil, what kind to use, and how often it should be changed. You can't tell by appearance alone as most oil turns dark brown or black after just a few hundred miles of use. Many auto mechanics no longer agree about the 3,000-mile oil change rule. However, most of them still agree on two basic rules for determining when to have an oil change service:
- Follow the recommended interval stated in the owner's manual.
- When the "oil change" light appears.
The recommended interval for oil changes has lengthened considerably due to today's advanced engine technology and oil chemistry. Take time to read your owner's manual as that interval could be anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your particular vehicle.
Should you have an Oil Change before a long road trip?
There are two obvious answers to this question!
- Change it BEFORE you head down the road if your vehicle will reach the time or mileage interval during your trip.
- Wait until AFTER your road trip if the time for the oil change service won't occur until you get back home (taking into account the extra miles driven on your trip).
Caution: Before starting out on your last road trip of the summer, have all the systems of your vehicle checked to make sure they are operating at peak efficiency. Plan ahead and schedule that needed oil change or another maintenance service at least a week ahead of time. It can be risky having work performed just before a trip. For example, the drain plug may not be tightened properly and the vibration of the road loosens it and you see a trail of oil in your rearview mirror. Either way, the last thing you want is to get stuck in a strange town with car problems.
Remember: Regular oil changes are necessary to prevent engines from wearing out prematurely. It is money and time well spent to guarantee your vehicle's optimum performance for many, many more miles of use.
If you need a basic oil change or a more complex repair service, contact our ASE certified technicians today at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
You may be wondering what is really true about oil changes. There is a lot of contradictory information floating around about engine oil, what kind to use, and how often it should be changed. You can't tell by appearance alone as most oil turns dark brown or black after just a few hundred miles of use. Many auto mechanics no longer agree about the 3,000-mile oil change rule. However, most of them still agree on two basic rules for determining when to have an oil change service:
- Follow the recommended interval stated in the owner's manual.
- When the "oil change" light appears.
The recommended interval for oil changes has lengthened considerably due to today's advanced engine technology and oil chemistry. Take time to read your owner's manual as that interval could be anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your particular vehicle.
Should you have an Oil Change before a long road trip?
There are two obvious answers to this question!
- Change it BEFORE you head down the road if your vehicle will reach the time or mileage interval during your trip.
- Wait until AFTER your road trip if the time for the oil change service won't occur until you get back home (taking into account the extra miles driven on your trip).
Caution: Before starting out on your last road trip of the summer, have all the systems of your vehicle checked to make sure they are operating at peak efficiency. Plan ahead and schedule that needed oil change or another maintenance service at least a week ahead of time. It can be risky having work performed just before a trip. For example, the drain plug may not be tightened properly and the vibration of the road loosens it and you see a trail of oil in your rearview mirror. Either way, the last thing you want is to get stuck in a strange town with car problems.
Remember: Regular oil changes are necessary to prevent engines from wearing out prematurely. It is money and time well spent to guarantee your vehicle's optimum performance for many, many more miles of use.
If you need a basic oil change or a more complex repair service, contact our ASE certified technicians today at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
