As a car owner, the best way to keep your vehicle in good shape is to have a mechanic perform maintenance regularly. The most frequent type your system needs is an oil change, which helps ensure the engine is correctly lubricated and cooled. Without oil in the tank, your engine would quickly seize up due to excessive friction, damaging it beyond repair. Here's what you need to know to keep this from happening.

What Mechanics Recommend for Your Oil Change

Rule of Thumb

Most cars should have an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. While some cars can go longer than this, their performance begins to degrade due to the increase in friction as the oil breaks down. You'll see lower gas mileage and an increase in wear and tear, so it's better just to change the oil.

Variables

Some factors can make your oil break down more quickly. Many short trips mean you need an oil change sooner than if you drove the same number of miles in one long trip because stops and starts are harder on the engine. For similar reasons, stop-and-go traffic will also speed up your timeline. Driving in very hot weather makes it harder for the oil to cool your engine and wears it out more quickly.

The Oil You Need

When you go to buy motor oil, you'll find three main options: conventional, synthetic, or a blend of the two. Conventional oil tends to be less expensive, while synthetic is more costly but higher performance. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations on which to choose or ask your mechanic if you're uncertain.

If you're overdue for an oil change, visit Springdale Automotive in West Chester, OH. Serving Butler County since 1987, their expert mechanics use the latest equipment and techniques to service both foreign and domestic cars, offering a full range of maintenance and repair services. To schedule an oil change, call (513) 860-2760 or make an appointment request on their website.