Hi everyone! I’m going to talk to you about something really exciting today – Oil Changes!

Okay, maybe not so exciting. But it’s something that we all hear about. While it might not be the most exciting subject, understanding oil changes is essential for every car owner. Why are they important? What type of oil should you use? When should you change your oil? Let’s explore the basics of oil changes together so you can keep your car running at its best.

Saves Gas Money

When your engine is well-oiled, it runs more efficiently, which means better gas mileage. With less friction, your car doesn’t have to work as hard, ultimately saving you gas money over time.

Prevents Expensive Repairs

Skipping oil changes might save you time now, but it can cost you big later. Issues can build up from old oil and eventually lead to major repairs that can be a huge hit to your wallet.

Extends Your Car’s Life

Want your car to last? Regular oil changes help prevent wear and tear, keeping your car reliable longer. Routine oil changes are one of the simplest ways to keep your car running year after year.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

Most people get their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Keeping up with this routine is crucial because oil can break down or get dirty over time. If neglected, dirty oil can lead to engine damage. The combustion process and circulating oils create debris that collects in the engine oil. If it remains dirty for too long, tiny oil ports can become clogged, preventing the oil from distributing properly and causing the engine to break down.

By regularly flushing out old oil and replacing it with fresh oil, you keep your engine clean and operating as it should. Consistency in oil changes is key to keeping your vehicle running for a long time.

What Type of Oil Should You Use?

There are several types of engine oils available: synthetic, conventional, and synthetic blend.

Which Oil is Best for You?

I personally recommend synthetic oil because it protects your engine, lasts longer, and never breaks down. However, many people make the mistake of leaving synthetic oil in their cars for too long. While it doesn’t break down, it will still become dirty over time. Consistent oil changes are essential to keep both your oil and engine clean so that your car performs better and lasts longer.

For conventional oil, it’s crucial to change it every 3,000 miles. Get that stuff out of there because it will break down and cause problems. It’s much cheaper to change the oil regularly than to deal with the costs and consequences of neglecting your car maintenance.

Synthetic blend oil is another option, which is a mix of synthetic and conventional oils. While it’s less expensive, it doesn’t last as long and may not provide as much protection as full synthetic oil. However, it remains a viable choice for many drivers.

Brand Consistency

A common question is, if I use a certain brand, do I have to keep using the same brand? No, you don’t have to. It’s optimal to stay consistent, but it’s perfectly fine to use a different brand if needed.

People are also under the impression that if you have synthetic oil in your car, you can only use synthetic oil to top it off. That’s not necessarily true either. The best option is, of course, to match synthetic to synthetic. But it’s safe to mix regular oil and synthetic oil as long as it’s the same weight and viscosity. 5W-30 is a very common weight that many cars use. You need to make sure the oil is the correct weight so that it works properly in your engine.