A towing company is available for any emergency that arises while you’re on the road, but some emergencies can be avoided. To prevent most serious issues, perform routine maintenance. For example, the engine oil in your car should be checked and changed regularly. If you’re not sure why or how often, here’s what you need to know so that you can keep your car in top condition.

Why Checking & Changing Oil Matters

Your car’s engine ignites gasoline, which engages pistons that compel various parts to move against each other, creating heat and friction. The engine oil lubricates the moving pieces so that they don’t wear down to the point that they stop working. Without the oil, the engine will quickly overheat or break, requiring you to call a towing company or roadside assistance for help. Even if you replenish the oil after such an incident, the engine may sustain lasting damage, shortening its life span and demanding expensive repairs or replacement.

How & When to Check Oil

Generally, change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. In any case, make a habit of examining the oil every 500 miles and before taking long trips.

To check the oil, run the car to warm and circulate the fluid, then park on level ground. Wait a minute or two to pull out the dipstick so that the oil has time to flow into the pan. Open the hood, pull the dipstick out, wipe it off with a clean cloth, and put it back. Pull it out again a few seconds later.

The dipstick has some way of marking the appropriate oil level. It might be the letters “L” and “H” for “low” and “high,” the abbreviations “min” and “max,” or simply two little pinholes. Either way, if the oil level is between the two marks, it’s fine. If it’s below the low mark, top it off or have a mechanic help.

Examine the quality of the oil, too. It should be amber-colored and clear of any metal particles or debris. If it looks dark or dirty, consider taking the car to a mechanic to inspect the engine and fix any problems.

If you need help getting to a mechanic to change your oil or secure repairs, contact the trustworthy towing company Patriot Towing. Based in Washington, MO, they offer 24-hour towing services so that you can arrive at any destination safely no matter the time of night or day. They also have extensive experience in commercial and residential towing, so if your car isn’t starting at all, they’ll pick it up and take it to be fixed. For details or assistance, call (636) 392-5070. Explore their services online.