Just like how you should schedule regular cleanings with your dentist every six months, your car has to some maintenance of its own—oil changes. If you want to learn more about this process so you can gather the auto body shop supplies yourself, take advantage of the following overview.

A Brief Guide to Motor Oil Changes

How Often Does My Car Need an Oil Change?

Most cars nowadays tell their drivers when they’re ready for a change—a light on the dashboard will turn on. If you want to monitor the frequency yourself, the best route is to check your car’s owners manual, which will offer a manufacturer recommendation. As a general rule, most vehicles require an oil change around every 7,500 miles or every 6 months.

Which Oil Does My Car Need?

There are two types of oil, an essential auto body shop supply—conventional and synthetic. While synthetic oil can be more expensive, it’s much slower to break down, keeping moving parts cooler for longer. To find out at what weight your car’s motor oil should be, check the reservoir cap—the number should be printed there. The manufacturer will recommend the best motor oil for your vehicle in the owners manual.

Does My Driving Affect the Need for an Oil Change?

If you’re frequently caught in stop-and-go traffic during rush hour, you may have to change your oil more often than traveling at steady speeds. As your engine starts up and slows down, its temperature repeatedly fluctuates, causing this auto body shop supply to get thicker faster. Also, if you have short, frequent commutes, you might need to upgrade to synthetic motor oil. Conventional oil won’t get hot enough, unable to evaporate moisture and pollutants inside your engine block.

If your car is due for an oil change, Larry’s Auto Parts can provide all the auto body shop supplies you need to get the job done. They’ve been serving drivers in the Honolulu and Kai areas for over 30 years, specializing in top-tier accessories. To learn more about their wide selection of long-lasting parts, You can call (808) 734-2147 to speak with a staff member about motor oil and filters.