Why Regular Oil Changes in Austin Are a Must, Even if You Don’t Drive Much
Are you an Austin, Texas-area car owner who doesn’t use their vehicle every day? If so, it may be tempting to assume your car doesn’t need regular oil changes — or at all. But while it’s easy enough to think that oil doesn’t degrade while your vehicle sits in a driveway or garage, things don’t work that way.
No matter how infrequently you use your vehicle, regular oil change service is still the key to keeping it running smoothly. Here, you’ll find our explanation of why that’s the case and advice on finding the best oil change in Austin.
Why Regular Oil Changes Matter
Even the most well-designed vehicle on the market won’t be able to function indefinitely without maintenance, and oil changes are a massive part of this process. Clean motor oil is responsible for protecting your vehicle from problems related to:
- Excessive friction. Oil lubricates moving parts in your engine, which can prevent them from rubbing against each other.
- Dirt and other contaminants. While your oil is still clean, it can trap contaminants in your engine and keep them from building up.
- Dangerous levels of heat. Oil can help your engine with heat management, reducing your vehicle’s risk of overheating.
- Rust buildup. Among its other benefits, motor oil can stop rust from forming inside your engine.
Unfortunately, motor oil won’t last forever. Eventually, it will begin to break down, and it won’t be able to protect your vehicle as well as it once did. The best way to avoid this scenario is to schedule an oil change in Austin, TX, every so often.
Other Oil Change Perks
Based on the advantages listed above, it’s not hard to see why oil change service is necessary for any responsible driver. However, you should know that prioritizing Austin oil changes will also:
- Extend your engine’s life span. Unchecked friction in your engine can cause it to seize, but oil changes can help you avoid this issue.
- Enhance your fuel usage. When thoroughly lubricated, your engine can burn less fuel while still delivering the results you’d expect.
- Improve your car’s performance. Prioritizing oil changes will keep your engine heat under control and prevent strange noises from occurring.
Do Low-Mileage Vehicles Need Oil Changes?
While the wear and tear associated with driving can undoubtedly affect your motor oil’s condition, that isn’t the only factor that can cause oil to degrade. Eventually, oil will break down — whether it’s a vehicle in daily use or one that’s rarely started. So if you wait too long between one oil change and the next, your car will still have to deal with the consequences the next time you take it for a spin.
Because of that, drivers in Austin may need to schedule an oil change before they hit a predetermined number of miles. That’s why there are two oil change intervals you should take into account — mileage and time. Even if you aren’t even close to hitting your mileage interval, following the time interval will reduce your risk of dealing with dirty oil in your vehicle.
How Oil Changes Affect Auto Warranties
Of course, this isn’t the only reason Austin-area car owners need regular oil changes, regardless of how often they drive their vehicles. You should also consider warranty coverage when deciding how frequently you need oil changes.
If you own a new or certified pre-owned vehicle, there’s a good chance that it came with a warranty — and that means its manufacturer will take care of repair-related expenses for a certain number of miles or years. But there’s a catch: if you don’t take good care of your car, you could accidentally invalidate this warranty.
Manufacturers include maintenance schedules with their vehicles to help their customers avoid outcomes like these. When you check this schedule, you’ll find advice on scheduling the maintenance services your car needs — including oil changes. Even if you don’t drive your car very often, taking care of this service every few months is a must if you want to maintain its warranty.
Know Where To Go for Austin Oil Changes
Whether or not you’ve driven your car recently, there’s a good chance that you’re ready to set up an oil change in Austin, TX. But before you do, it’s wise to know what to look for in an auto shop. The best shops in this area deliver advantages like:
- Qualified mechanics. No one knows more about auto service than ASE-certified technicians. These mechanics are more skilled than anyone else in the industry, and they’ll go above and beyond to do the best job possible.
- A wide selection of services. In addition to oil changes, your auto shop should handle services like brake repair, battery replacement, transmission repair, and preventative maintenance.
- Ways to save money. Instead of charging customers the full cost of every job, the best shops in Austin help people save by sharing coupons.
- Lots of locations. If you live anywhere in the Austin area, you deserve a shop with at least one nearby location.
When you need oil change service in or around Austin, the best place to get these perks and more is Lamb’s Tire & Automotive. Getting started is easy — schedule an appointment online today!
