Scheduling Oil Changes

Your car is an amazing collection of working parts. From the simple Model T to the computer controlled modern car, there have always been two enemies of engines. They are heat and friction.

When it comes to keeping your car on the road, you need to maintain it. This means you need to understand the ins and outs of when to change motor oil to make sure friction and heat do not shorten the life of your engine.

Oil is an amazing substance. It can take an absolute thrashing in the harsh environment of an engine and yet still keep friction and heat at bay. After a bit, however, even oil will fail and thus must be changed out.

The oil change mantra has been so ingrained into our head that we all know it. We must change our oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. None of us know why this is. Most would be unhappy to learn it is just a marketing slogan!

Do you really think you need to automatically change you oil every 3 months? What if you only drove the car once during that period? The simple truth is every car faces different circumstances and thus needs oil changed at different times.

Why is there no one guideline? Well, consider a construction worker with a big truck who hauls tons of materials. Now consider a school teacher who drives to school and back. Which engine is going to be more stressed and need the oil changed more frequently?

So, how do you figure out the answer for your car or truck? Fortunately, there is a guide just for your vehicle. The manufacturer has designated it in your owner manual. This will, of course, be difficult to take for men who hate reading directions!

The manufacturer will actually specify a number of different things. The time frame and miles for a change are obvious bits of information. The manufacturer, however, will also designate a weight of oil and brand as well.

Whatever you do, stick religiously to the weight recommended for the oil by the manufacturer. The specific brand can be ignored. Castrol, Pennzoil and so on all work well enough.

You are often going to have a choice between normal and synthetic oils. The synthetic oils are really great. They can last for 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Make sure to look at the different brands and their expected life spans.

When it comes to motor oil, I actually have a favorite brand. Mobil 1 is something I highly recommend and have had recommended to me by auto mechanics. It is more expensive, but I have never had engine problems using it.

Do not be a chump. Avoid obeying the marketing slogans of various oil change businesses. Pull out that owners manual and get the truth on oil changes for your car. You will undoubtedly save some money on less frequent changes.