Your mechanic has asked you if you want your engine oil changed, and you have no idea what to tell him? This is normal, it is difficult to know exactly when it is necessary to change the oil. A few years ago, the rule said to do an oil change every 5000 kilometers. But is this still the case? In fact, the frequency of an oil change varies a lot, and depends on the age of the vehicle, how often it is used, the environment in which it is driven, etc.
Why should you change your vehicle’s oil?
Oil plays a key role in the proper functioning of an engine and should not be neglected. It has several functions: lubrication (to prevent friction between engine parts and slow down their wear), protection (by protecting the metal elements from corrosion), cleaning (by capturing deposits and carrying them to filters) and cooling (in places where the coolant does not pass). It is one of the liquids to be replaced regularly, in order to maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty and extend the life of the mechanical components.
Clean oil also helps extend the life of an engine by protecting various parts . This explains the importance of knowing when to change your engine oil. It is better not to wait for the warning light to come on: if you do not change the oil in your engine, you are exposing it to premature wear. Neglecting to drain it is risking destroying your engine.
When to change oil?
You have surely heard that it should be changed every 5000 kilometers. Is it really recommended? It all depends on your type of vehicle and how you use it.
The easiest way is to follow the standards established by the manufacturer, which can be found in the “owner’s manual”. By following the recommendations established for your vehicle, you will ensure that you maintain your warranty. Once a month, also remember to check your oil level, when cold and on a flat surface. Some cars are able to calculate the oil level thanks to a system which among other things calculates the number of starts and displays the warning light accordingly. But be careful, especially before long journeys: checking the oil level should also be in your maintenance list before you go on vacation.
Note that old cars require a more frequent oil change , while recent vehicles can reach 6,000, 10,000 or even 25,000 kilometers before an oil change is necessary. Depending on the needs, it is possible to do an oil change every 3 months, every 6 months, or more! Cars that are driven mainly in town and all day, such as taxis and ambulances, need to be oil changed more frequently and the 5000 kilometer rule sometimes applies. It is also important to change your engine oil regularly when driving in a harsh climate.
Which oil to choose for your engine?
Have you found a garage that does the oil change at a fixed and very advantageous price? Beware. Indeed, it is not recommended to use the same type of oil for all vehicles. The price of an oil change therefore necessarily varies according to the oil required and it is difficult to set a price before having checked the standards of the vehicle.
All with different viscosity indices. Some manufacturers even have specific oils approved for specific vehicles. Be sure to use the correct oil, otherwise this will affect your manufacturer’s warranty. Obviously, all these oils, depending on their approvals, have a different price! Find out before buying your vehicle: depending on the type of engine oil recommended, you will know if your next oil change will be expensive…
In addition to the oil, it is also important to choose the right filters. Indeed, economical filters will appear to be a good investment at first, but they do not accept synthetic oils well and will not filter anything. You need filters made of a specific material to allow the synthetic oil to pass through properly. Ask your Center Auto Point S for more information.
Ultimately, it is essential to regularly monitor your engine oil level, in order to know when to schedule your next oil change . Once the appointment has been made, your Auto Point S Center will be able to tell you which oil is recommended for your vehicle. And don’t forget, a healthy engine depends on quality oil and filters!