How Often Do I Need an Oil Change
Do you go with the feel of it?
Or, did you forget, until just now, that you need to get your oil changed?
No matter which kind of person you are, everyone should be getting their oil changed roughly every six months or 10,000 miles. This is the best way to keep your engine healthy and stave off expensive repairs down the line.
If you’ve been wondering how often you need an oil change, or why you need an oil change in general, let the team at Dick Huvaere’s Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram educate you on this important part of vehicle maintenance. If you’re in the Richmond, New Baltimore, or Detroit, MI, areas, read on, then schedule your next service appointment with us!
Why is an Oil Change Important
Your engine is like the heart of your vehicle, but instead of blood, it pumps oil. And, just like your heart, if your blood isn’t healthy, the whole system can suffer. When your engine works, the friction of the moving pieces creates heat. Oil lubricates the system, preventing friction and the buildup of heat.
Over the course of everyday driving, your oil can pick up dirt and particulates that can make it less effective. Changing your oil regularly keeps your oil effective and your engine working well! Typically, your car will need an oil change about every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or about once or twice a year depending on your vehicle.
Signs You Need and Oil Change
If you forgot when your last oil change was, there are a few ways you can tell that you should visit a service center sooner rather than later. The simplest is that your change oil light will come on, which looks like a small oil can on your dash with a drop of oil dripping from the spout.
There are also other signs you can be on the lookout for–or rather the listen-out for. If your oil is low, dirty, thin, or old, then you may notice your engine making a knocking sound. You could also hear a ticking sound from the engine.
Maybe you’ve pulled up to a stoplight and you notice your car shakes a little bit while you’re idling. That’s another sign you need an oil change.
What Happens During an Oil Change
Do you think once we wheel your car around to the service bay, we perform some magic to remove your old oil and put in the fresh? While that’s flattering, it’s much simpler. We’ll empty out your old oil and look it over, then package it up for proper disposal.
Next, we’ll remove your filter, and examine it. If we can, we’ll clean it off and reinstall it, but if your oil filter is too dirty or clogged to be effective, we’ll get you a replacement from our parts center.
Then we’ll examine your removed oil. If it is noticeably discolored or clumpy, we may run some fresh oil and cleaner through your engine to remove any clogs or remaining detritus. Once we’re assured the engine is clean and ready to go, we’ll top up your oil to the appropriate level and send you on your way.
Visit Our Service Center for Your Next Oil Change
Whether you know the exact minute you got your oil changed, or you can’t quite remember your last change, then visit the service center at Dick Huvaere’s Richmond CDJR. We’ll answer all your questions, including, “How often do I need an oil change?”
Contact our service department or use our website to schedule a service appointment.
