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Change Oil
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Change Oil
When to change your oil?
Most car owners ponder
over when would be a good time to change the oil in their car. If you
were to read all the information available online on the topic, you will
find two distinct schools of thought; experts who believe that the oil
in a vehicle should be changed every 3000 miles. On the other hand,
there are some other people who believe that most engine oils today are
made with fluids of different densities and inevitably have detergent in
them which does not allow for the accumulation of soot. As a matter of
fact, most manufacturers also recommend that engine oil should be
changed every 5000 miles or one year, whichever comes first unless you
use synthetic oil.
However, you need to understand that the manufacturer recommendation only applies when the vehicle is operated under optimal conditions; however the majority of drivers operate their vehicle under conditions which are considered severe for your engine oil such as: frequent short trips (less than 10 miles, especially during cold weather); stop-and-go city traffic driving; driving in dusty conditions (gravel roads, etc.); or driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather. This means that the 5000 mile oil change will only do if you drive your vehicle in optimal conditions. Because most people drive under more sever conditions they need to be more diligent about their oil changes.
In a survey of over 300 ASE certified master techs over 60 per cent said the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles, the long recommended standard. Only 29 percent said between 3,000-5,000 miles is okay. Less than two percent said oil change intervals of 5,000 to 10,000 miles are acceptable. These and other experts recommend that for regular usage which includes city driving you should go for a car oil change every 3000 to 5000 miles or every four months. This holds true for almost every make and model of car.
There are also several other factors that will have a bearing on the frequency of oil change needed, for instance, one of the reasons why manufacturers can afford to exaggerate the oil change figures is because they are dealing with a new engine with just a few miles on them. However, as you operate the vehicle and accumulate more mileage; it becomes imperative to ensure that the oil in the car is keeping the engine clean and cool. If the oil is not changed as required in older cars, it will result in greater engine wear and tear and trouble such as reduced fuel efficiency, decrease in performance, increased oil consumption and increased emissions.
When sending your car for an oil change, you also need to consider changing the filter. Not changing the filter every time you change your oil may reduce your short term maintenance cost,. but long term it may take its toll on your pocket book by causing severe engine problems. Most mechanics are of the opinion that the filter should be changed every time you change your oil. The filters in newer cars are considerably smaller than the quart sized versions used in older models. The pint sized filters of today need to be changed every 3000 miles because they will lose efficiency long before the 6000 mile mark is reached.
Regular oil changes for preventative maintenance are cheap insurance against engine wear, and will always save you money in the long run if you keep a car for more than three or four years. It's very uncommon to see an engine that has been well maintained with regular oil changes develop major bearing, ring, cam or valve problems under 100,000 miles.
The next time, you see your mileage meter hitting the 3000 to 500 mile mark, take your wheels to the nearest certified mechanic for a quick and hassle free oil change and oil filter replacement.
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