Motor oil is a vital component of your car. The fluid lubricates your engine, so your vehicle runs well, and unnecessary friction doesn’t occur. That is why getting regular oil changes is crucial for car care. However, you may not know much beyond that you need to change it regularly, so below are a few frequent questions about this service.

A Guide to Oil Changes

What does an oil change entail?

Motor oil collects debris over time, and changing it involves draining and replacing it with fresh oil. Depending on what your vehicle requires, options range from fully synthetic to conventional oil as well as synthetic blends, which all refer to the composition of the oil. Technicians will also replace the filter, and most auto repair shops will inspect your car for signs of other trouble.

How can you tell the oil is bad?

Pop the hood and pull out the dipstick. If the fluid is thick, gritty, or milky, you should replace the oil. Engine oil should be light-colored and almost transparent. Clean, fresh oil is also an amber color, so if your lubricant is dark and nearly black, you are due for service.

How often should you change the oil?

The best answer is to check your owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule. The old rule was about every 3,000 miles, but modern engines can usually go 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Another factor that affects your schedule is your driving habit. If you don’t often drive or only for short trips, you will usually need more frequent oil changes. These trips do not reach high enough engine temperatures to burn off water vapor, which mixes with oil and thickens it. Thick oil cannot lubricate the engine well, requiring you to change it.

What will happen to the engine without oil?

The metal components in your engine will rub together when there isn’t enough oil. This rubbing generates too much heat and unnecessary wear and tear. Your engine is also in danger of seizing, and engine failure is an expensive and time-consuming repair.

If you are due for an oil change, Davis Tire in Chillicothe, OH, can help. Their professional technicians will not only keep your vehicle’s regular maintenance up to date, but they will also help you choose the best tires. In addition, they perform wheel alignments to keep your new tires in top shape and your car ready. Call (740) 774-3363 for more on their tire brands, or visit them online for a full list of repair services.