Have You Checked Your Oil Level This Week?

Just a friendly reminder… at your next fuel fill-up, pull out your dipstick and check your oil level. Nearly every week, we see a vehicle come in to the shop with NO oil on the dipstick. In some cases, the engine has seized and required replacement ( see picture below – $$$).

For those other lucky ones, if we catch it early enough, we can help prevent permanent engine damage.

Your car can lose oil in a variety of ways: leaking seals/gaskets, leaking oil pan drain plug, older cars can actually consume oil, or lose oil through a loose oil filter. Keep an eye on your driveway where you park to watch for a visible drip. Small leaks are not always visible, but by regularly checking your dipstick, you will always know if your car is losing oil.

Why is oil important? 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 thoughts to keep in mind:

• Change your oil consistently every 5000 miles, or less in severe usage conditions. Oil collects moisture, carbon, and dirt/dust particles over time, so with each oil change, the moisture, carbon, and dirt are removed with the old oil. Even with the newer synthetic oils that say they don’t need to be changed for 7500 to 10,000 miles, we generally recommend changing oil more often for safety’s sake.
• 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.
• Use 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.
• Always request a premium quality oil filter when having your oil changed. 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, requiring rotor replacement ($$$). The technician will also check all fluid levels, tires, lights, and much more.

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance service you can do to extend the life of your car, and ensure safe, daily operation of your vehicle. With each service at Honest Accurate Auto Service, all fluids will be checked and “topped off” to the appropriate level. You can drive away with “peace of mind.”

We are always happy to do a complimentary oil level check for you at any time – just stop in!