In the age of the internet, it's easy to run into misinformation related to vehicle maintenance. You might find a number of different answers to questions, like ones related to oil changes. How long does an oil change really take? The answer is 30 to 45 minutes. Take a look below at more oil-change-related questions and answers so you'll be equipped with the knowledge required to take care of your vehicle's engine.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
It is usually said that you should get your oil changed at least once every three months or 3,000 miles, but that information often isn't accurate. Every car, truck, and sport utility vehicle has its own specifications and requirements related to oil and oil changes. Some vehicles can run up to 10,000 miles before they need an oil change, while others need one every 1,000 miles. Check your owners manual for details related to which oil type is best for your engine and how often your oil should be changed.
Is It Bad To Drive 1,000 Miles Over an Oil Change Recommendation?
In short, it is extremely bad to wait too long for an oil change. The longer you wait, the more contaminated the oil in your vehicle's system will get until it begins to impact your vehicle's performance. Everything the polluted oil touches will begin to degrade if you don't get your oil changed regularly and on time.
You may be saving a bit of money waiting a while to get the job done in the short term, but in the long run, you'll lose thousands of dollars or more in costly repairs. An entire engine block can be wrecked because of a lack of proper maintenance. Replacing a block can cost from $3,000 to $4,000. If your vehicle has a turbocharger or similar performance systems or parts, that cost can climb far higher. Do yourself and your bank account a favor and get your oil changed on time every time.
Can I Drive Right After I Get My Oil Changed?
Yes. If anything, your car, truck, or sport utility vehicle will be more capable of hitting the road than it was before you got your oil changed. Tainted or diluted oil severely reduces engine performance. To get the best horsepower, torque, and mileage out of your vehicle, make sure it receives maintenance regularly from seasoned professionals. The staff at Kings Toyota in Cincinnati, Ohio, are just such a group. We'll be glad to help you get your vehicle in tiptop shape in no time.
What Happens if I Put Off an Oil Change?
Oil significantly extends the life of the engine by helping it maintain a low temperature despite the friction caused by the engine's operation. If you don't get your oil changed, your vehicle, which should have lasted for 200,000, 300,000, or even 400,000 miles, will likely fail totally in less than 100,000 miles. A ruined engine or worse could make buying a new car a necessity long before it should be.
Will It Be All Right if I Top off My Oil Rather Than Replacing It Fully?
Adding new, clean oil to a system that already has dirty oil doesn't fix the issues caused by the dirty oil. It only makes the clean oil dirty and increases the internal pressure of your engine over time, just as it would have if you had gone without adding new oil. When the time comes to get your oil changed, make sure it is a full oil change done by a trained individual in a safe environment, like that of your local dealership.
What if I Have a Diesel Engine Rather Than a Gas Engine?
Diesel engines are far dirtier internally than their gas-run counterparts. The lubricating oil they use is very different from the oil utilized in standard gas engines or hybrids.
The labor needed for a diesel oil change is the same as for gas engines, but diesel versions require more frequent oil changes. As long as you get your oil changes done on time and use the right kind of oil, your diesel engine is likely to outlast a properly maintained gas version of the same power level.
Should I Change My Oil Myself?
You could, but there is risk involved if you are not trained in that kind of work. You could accidentally damage your vehicle's systems or end up making a large and hard-to-clean mess with a spill. It is best to leave such work to professionals at certified repair shops and dedicated oil change facilities. They'll have the right oil for your vehicle in stock, saving you the risk of an accident or spill.
There is more work to a proper oil change than simply switching out the oil. Trained technicians check the engine bay for leaks and other issues and often have a considerable checklist to cover before their work is done. The checklist items often involve inspections that can reveal problems that only a shop could help with anyway, so you're saving yourself more money by going to them. You probably aren't trained to spot those kinds of indicators. Missing one could be costly later on.
Do I Need Different Oils as My Vehicle Ages?
Many oil companies advertise their products as being better for older engines, and they may be so, but you don't have to switch to a special kind of oil just because you have an older vehicle. Keep using what your owner's manual lists as the ideal type of oil for your vehicle, and it will run as well as it would with special, more expensive over-the-counter oil.
Rely on Kings Toyota For All of Your Oil Change Needs
To learn everything there is to know about proper car, truck, or sport utility vehicle maintenance, stop by and consult the experts at Kings Toyota, located at 9500 Kings Automall Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, or give us a call at 513-583-4333. We'll be more than happy to help.
