Car Oil Changes: A Brief Guide For New Drivers

As a new driver, it’s important that you try and understand a few common ailments that may affect your car. With cell phones in just about everyone’s pocket and increasingly advanced technology in each vehicle, the chances of being completely stranded by car troubles have been reduced considerably over time but it’s still important that you can recognize a funny sound or unfamiliar smell when driving. Oftentimes, extensive damages occur after months and months of a problem growing bigger and not just a sudden mechanical failure. One aspect of your car’s routine maintenance that helps everything run smoother is the oil change, you may hear varying things regarding when you should get your oil changed and what kind of oil you should use depending on who you ask but there are a few fundamental things that you should know regarding getting your oil changed. Here are some of the most common questions drivers are faced with when it comes to having their vehicle’s oil changes.

Common questions on vehicle’s oil changes

• How Often Should I Change My Oil?– With so many new models of vehicle on the road, each with cutting edge and unique engine builds and performance specifications, the days of getting your oil changed routinely after 3,000 miles are becoming rarer and rarer. Most vehicles now are equipped to go at least 5,000 miles before requiring an oil change but the best way to know for certain what the oil change interval for your car is, is to consult your car’s manual for manufacturer specifications. In most luxury vehicles it’s more important to adhere closer to company manual service recommendations but in the interest in preserving your vehicle’s performance and maximizing its’ efficiency, annual oil changes are a cost-effective and easy way to protect your engine.
• Do I Change the Oil Filter Too?– Sometimes it can be hard to tell what is necessary to your vehicle and what is an add-on being plugged by an auto mechanic trying to make extra money quick and usually a part of that sales pitch is the oil filter. However, it’s widely accepted and advised that you change your oil filter at the same time that you have the oil changed to ensure your engine stays clean. Your oil filter collects dirt and debris and contaminates from your oil to keep the oil in your car cleaner for longer periods of time. Changing the filter at the time you change the oil is usually a standard practice for most experienced mechanics so if yours isn’t offering or changing the oil filter as well, you may want to seek out a new automotive shop.

• Should I Use Regular or Synthetic Oil?– There are tons of arguments on both sides regarding if synthetic oil is better than regular motor oil and what it comes down to is the requirements of your particular car. The benefits of synthetic oil are that since they’re manmade, they stay cleaner longer by having more additives and purities that lead to a better overall engine performance. Some drivers are opposed to spending more on synthetic oils which is fine given that standard motor oil will protect your engine reliably as well. If you’re a new driver with an inherited first vehicle that has a high mileage, you’ll want higher mileage oil that will protect your engine past 100,000 miles and help it last longer. It’s important to note the viscosity oil recommended for your engine and find the correct corresponding one for your car.
• How Much Should I Expect to Pay for an Oil Change?– The cost of your oil change will mostly depend on the type of oil you decide to choose and on how many quarts you need. Typically it’s about 5 quarts and an oil change with conventional oil will cost you between $20-$30. If you’re using a synthetic oil and need more than 5 quarts, you may expect to pay $20-$25 more.

Change the oil regularly for better performance

Preserving the health of your engine and protecting it from dirt and other contaminants that can affect your driving is a key step to making sure that your car has a long and dependable life, whether it’s brand new or an inherited one to a new driver. One of the easiest ways to protect your engine is by regularly changing the oil to keep it clean and running smoothly and knowing what to expect when you get your oil changed will help you feel confident that you’re getting exactly what you need.

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