The more you know about different components of your car, the better steward you’ll be of your vehicle. With some guidance from a top car maintenance company, it’s simple to learn about easy-to-overlook aspects like engine oil. Based in South Carolina, Landrum Lube has emerged as the region’s leading auto center. Whether you need an oil change or a tire pressure check, the professionals will make sure your car is at its best before you head back onto the road. 

To become more familiar with engine oil, read up on these key pieces of knowledge shared by Landrum’s premier car maintenance team: 

• When Should You Change Your Oil? While you may remember the old rule of thumb—change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months—it has become outdated. As cars have become more efficient, you can now generally go at least 5,000 miles before a change, or even longer. If your driving pattern involves a lot of abrupt starting and stopping, however, you’ll likely need to switch a little earlier. 
• How Can You Check Your Oil Level? Oil checks are a good opportunity to become a bit more familiar with your engine. After you’ve turned off your vehicle and waited for it to cool, pop the hood, and look for a rod inserted into the engine known as a dipstick. Once you locate the little loop on the end, pull it out, and clean it off. Then, reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again after a minute or two. If the oil level is nearing the minimum markings on the stick, you’ll know you need to have your oil changed. 
• What Is the Viscosity? It can be easy to get lost in a sea of numbers when you’re comparing bottles of engine oil to buy. One number to know is the degree of viscosity, which is shorthand for how thick or thin your oil will be. Before you go to the shop, consult your owner’s manual for the recommended number for your car model. Then look for the corresponding number on the bottle; it will be marked SAE, which is short for Society for Automobile Engineers. 

Whether you need an oil change or help with a different car maintenance task, you can always count on the crew at Landrum Lube. To speak with a friendly staff member, call (864) 457-3956. For more information about the auto center, visit their website.