Engine Oil – the Life Blood of your Car!

Regular oil changes are the single most important car maintenance service you can do to extend the life of your vehicle, and ensure safe, daily operation of your vehicle.  It is not uncommon for us to see a car that has little to no oil on the dipstick, a recipe for disaster and potentially very expensive repair (often an engine replacement)!

Engine oil acts to dissipate heat, while it lubricates and cleans the internal moving parts of the engine.  It is inexpensive insurance to keep your engine “healthy” and running smoothly.

Some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Change your oil every 5000 miles.  Oil collects moisture, carbon, and dirt/dust particles over time, so with each oil change, the moisture, carbon, and dirt is removed with the old oil.  If you could transfuse your circulatory system with brand new blood to rid your system of “sludge”, wouldn’t you do it?  That is similar to what you do when you change your oil in your car – give your vehicle “new life” with each oil change!
• Because of high operating temperatures in your engine, oil breaks down over time and loses its lubricating properties.  Lubrication is essential to decrease friction and wear and tear of your engine’s components.  Regular oil changes will maintain adequate lubricating properties and extend the life of your engine.
• Be sure that the oil used is quality oil, as cheaper oils breakdown faster and have less lubricating additives.  The American Petroleum Institute rates motor oil, so use the highest grade oil available.  The old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly holds true in the quality of oil.
• Check that a good oil filter is replacing your used one.  Oil filters take out the particulates that create the “sludge” in your oil, but they only last so long.  Good oil filters also have an anti-drain back valve that holds the oil, so that you are not starting a cold and “dry” engine.
• Having a trained, experienced technician look your car over during a regular oil change service is invaluable in detecting minor problems before they become major problems.  A common example is having brake pads (a regular wear item) changed before they become so thin that metal-to-metal damage occurs to the rotors.  The technician will also check all fluid levels, tires, lights, and much more.

Give your vehicle “new life” and extend the longevity of your automobile’s engine with regular oil change services.  With each service at Honest Accurate Auto Service, all fluids will be checked and “topped off” to the appropriate level.