Oil Change Schedule: How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed
Regular oil change service for your vehicle might seem mundane. However, it’s one of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of your car or truck. By choosing a qualified auto repair business like Lamb’s Tire and Automotive to handle your oil changes, you can be sure you are receiving the best service and the best rate possible.
Due to advancements in automotive technology and synthetic oil, traditional standards on how often you should change your oil may not be as accurate as you would assume. With that in mind, it’s essential to make sure you are changing your oil as often as needed. Here, you’ll find our expert advice on how often you should get a car oil change.
Factors in Oil Change Scheduling
Traditionally, drivers have been encouraged to schedule oil changes after three months or 3,000 miles. This rule of thumb is still broadly applicable, but there are a few other factors that you should be considering, as well. These components may influence your vehicle’s oil change schedule:
Vehicle Age
Today’s more sophisticated engines can use oil more efficiently than older designs could. Still, this isn’t the only way age can affect your vehicle’s oil needs. Cars become less adept at using oil as they age, and issues like metal filings and debris can affect their engines over time. As a result, you may need oil change service more regularly with an older vehicle, though an engine flush might help in this regard.
Type of Driving
“Severe driving” refers to driving that can put extra strain on a vehicle. Common types of severe driving include:
- Long-distance driving at speeds under 50 miles per hour
- Driving while towing a trailer
- Driving on dirt roads
If you regularly drive in conditions like these, you could need oil changes at a rate two times higher than average.
Weather Conditions
Local weather can also affect your vehicle’s oil usage patterns. Of course, cold weather is rarely a concern in Austin, TX. With that being said, extreme heat can also cause problems related to oil, especially when traffic jams are a concern.
Type of Oil
The type of oil you use in your car matters. Conventional oil is less costly, but requires replacement more often. In contrast, synthetic oil is more expensive upfront, but requires fewer changes in the long run. The latter type of oil also boasts enhanced lubrication and can effectively deal with extreme temperatures.
How To Check Your Oil
Perhaps the best way to see how your car’s oil is doing is to check it yourself. This process may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but it’s relatively simple.
Generally speaking, you should check your vehicle’s oil level at least once a month. This process couldn’t be more straightforward for newer vehicles, as they generally include an electronic monitoring system for oil levels. If you own an older car, you’ll have to check your oil the “traditional” way by using a dipstick.
To check your oil manually, park your car, wait for it to cool down, and turn it off. Then, find your dipstick–it should be in the oil reservoir under your vehicle’s hood. Take it out, wipe off any leftover oil, and put it into the oil reservoir. Pull it out and then check each side to see where the oil level is. If it’s between two marks or a cross-hatched area on your dipstick, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you may be due for a car oil change.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today
No one beats Lamb’s Tire and Automotive for oil change service in Austin, TX, and surrounding areas. We’ve been around since 1987, and we still offer top of the line automotive service at great prices. Book your appointment today and save even more by checking out our oil change coupons!
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Austin, TX Oil Change Service FAQs
Why do I need an oil change service?
Taking care of your car’s engine through regular oil change service is an essential part of owning a car. As you drive, the oil that lubricates the engine begins collecting dirt and combustion debris filtered through the oil filter. Once this collection builds up, it can cause your oil to become less effective at protecting the moving parts of your engine. If the oil becomes saturated with gunky build-up, it will cause friction within your engine, which could lead to significant complications or engine failure.
Replacing your oil with a car oil change is the best way to ensure that your engine gets the care and protection it needs to run smoothly. Keeping the oil clean and fresh will ensure your engine is well lubricated and maintained.
How often do I need an oil change service?
A regular car oil change is the best way to keep your engine happy and performing at its peak. How often you should have your oil change service performed will depend on your vehicle, the type of oil you use, and your driving habits. We typically recommend getting an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for optimal engine performance. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle to get an exact timeframe for when a car oil change would be needed.
Of course, this can vary based on a number of factors. If you choose a full synthetic oil change, you will get more mileage out of your engine oil. If you need help determining the type of oil to use or if it is time for your car oil change, book an appointment today.
Is it necessary to change my oil filter every time I have an oil change service?
What are some signs that I need a car oil change?
Your car is great at telling you when your engine oil needs to be replaced. There are certain signs to look for that indicate when a trip to the auto repair shop is necessary. In addition to the oil light being illuminated, you can watch for these signals:
- Rough riding or shaking while driving: If your engine is not well lubricated with clean oil, it will cause friction on the moving parts of your engine. This friction can cause shaking or rattling while driving or idling.
- Knocking sounds coming from the engine: A tapping or knocking sound from the motor could be a cylinder and piston colliding due to lack of lubrication.
- Heavy smoke coming from the exhaust: This can signal that your engine oil is burning up and needs an oil change service.
What does it mean if my oil light comes on?
What do I do if my oil light is on?
When your check oil light comes on, there is no need to panic. The oil light could indicate a number of different things. One of the first things you can do is check the amount of oil in your engine by using the dipstick in your vehicle. Checking how much oil is in your engine will tell you if you may just need a top off of oil or if you need more. The oil on the dipstick can also let you know if the oil is dirty and needs to be replaced.
Whether you need a top-off of oil or need a complete oil change service, Lamb’s Tire & Automotive is here to help. Schedule an appointment with our crew for all your oil change service needs.
Does Lamb’s Tire & Automotive offer any oil change specials?
When it comes time to get a car oil change, you want to ensure that you get a good deal and quality work. While you want a cheap oil change, you also want to know that your car is in the best hands possible. Here at Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we understand that quality auto care shouldn’t have to break the bank. That’s why we offer oil change specials to help save you money.
Our team of expert mechanics has spent years training and honing their automotive skills. You can trust our team to handle any and all auto service, maintenance, or repair that you may need. We offer a full range of services in addition to a cheap oil change.
What is preventive maintenance?
Preventive car maintenance on your vehicle is part of the regularly scheduled service that keeps your vehicle running well. Preventive maintenance includes oil change service, tire rotation, brake repair inspections, and other system maintenance. Preventive car maintenance is a necessary component of the health of your vehicle and should be performed on a regular basis.
Staying on top of the preventive car maintenance for your vehicle helps ensure that you won’t be hit with a more costly repair down the road. The regular repairs, refills, cleaning, and services that preventive maintenance helps with all work to keep your vehicle operating for as long as possible. By letting experts like the team at Lamb’s Tire & Automotive perform scheduled preventive maintenance on your car is the best way to keep your vehicle in excellent condition.
Is there a difference between conventional oil and a full synthetic oil change?
The type of oil you use in your oil change service can make a significant difference in the functionality of your engine. The options for oil changes include a conventional oil change, a full synthetic oil change, and a blended oil change. While some vehicles require a specific oil type, we often recommend going with a full synthetic oil change to get the most out of your engine oil. Full synthetic oils, like Valvoline, are more efficient at lubricating your engine and are better at absorbing the heat from the engine. Full synthetic oils last longer, but they are more costly than conventional oils.
Conventional oils tend to make for a cheap oil change when compared to a full synthetic, but they also won’t last as long.
Where is a Lamb’s Tire & Automotive near me?
