A lot of people have opinions about how often the oil in a vehicle should be changed, from experienced experts right on down to the average car owner. Now, most people would tend to side with the experts, but even between the professionals there are some considerable discrepancies about just how often oil should be changed.

Owner’s Manual

First and foremost it is highly advisable to follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. This is particularly important for new car owners, as the warranty may become void if specifications are not adhered to. The owner’s manual should indicate the type of oil to be used, as well as frequency and distance suggestions.

Range of Oil Change Intervals Recommended by the Experts

Industry professionals seem to have a wide range of advice to give about how frequently oil should be changed. Depending on who you listen to, oil changes may be suggested as often as:

• Every 1600 Km, or every 6 months
• Every 5000 Km
• Between 8000 – 12000 Km
• Between 15000 – 24000 Km

It will likely come as no surprise that automotive shops specialized in oil changes suggest having your oil changed more frequently. On the flip side, manufacturers tend to say that such frequent changes are unnecessary, especially if the car runs on synthetic motor oil which is designed for greater longevity. So, who should be believed?

Contributing Factors to Oil Change Frequency

The truth is there is quite an assortment of outside factors that weigh in to determine just how often your oil needs changing. Some relevant factors include:

• Vehicle model
• Type of oil
• Filter changes
• Driving habits
• Driving frequency
• Environmental conditions
• Level of care

Vehicle Model

The type of car you drive plays a substantial role in how often you need to change your oil. For example, older models with heavy mileage will most likely need more frequent changes and possibility a different type of oil than newer models. Large vehicles that burn a lot of fuel will also need more regular changes because the engine is working harder to operate the vehicle.

As mentioned earlier, specifications for your vehicle type will be illustrated in the owner’s manual.

Type of Oil

The type of oil you use is also significant. Conventional motor oil does not offer the same quality and longevity that synthetic oil does. A greater consistency in molecule arrangement and no left over contaminants from the refinery process, means synthetic oil delivers longer lasting, better performance for your engine. While synthetic motor oils may cost more up front, they offer cost savings in the long run due to fewer changes and less wear on the engine.

Filter Changes

It doesn’t matter how fresh the oil in your vehicle is if the filter never gets changed. The oil filter should be replaced at least every other time your oil is changed, and for optimal results should be replaced with every oil change.

Driving Habits

Driving behaviors also paly an applicable role in how often you should be changing your oil. The more cautious a driver you are, the more life you will get out of your oil. Abrupt stops and starts, as well as excessive speeding all impose greater demands on the engine, requiring more frequent oil changes.

Driving Frequency

As logic would dictate, the more often you drive your car the sooner you are going to need an oil change. However, your regular driving routes also come into consideration. For example, if your routine driving practices mainly consist of trips around 15 Km or less, oil changes will be required more often. Short trips don’t get the engine hot enough to burn off excess condensation which means the oil will break down more quickly.

Environmental Conditions

The more demanding your regular driving conditions are, the harder your engine is working needing fresh more frequently. Driving short distances in sub-zero temperatures is very demanding on the engine.

Level of Care

In the end, a lot of it comes down to how invested you are in providing care and maintenance for your vehicle. Drivers looking for the best performance and preserving maximum resale value will benefit from having more frequent oil changes.

Oil Change Brampton

For fast and reliable oil changes done by industry professionals, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an ideal choice for all your automotive care and maintenance needs.

Rust proofing Brampton: what is rust and why is it such a problem?

Rust build-up is the result of a natural process where the iron in metals comes into contact with oxygen and water, causing it to corrode and deteriorate.
The thing about rust? It spreads quickly. Finding a spot of rust on the surface of your vehicle is no reason to panic. On the other hand, if your car is left outside all year long or you neglect to keep it clean, you are likely to have a bigger problem (rust spots that are larger than 12 inches in diameter require major repairs). When deep rusts sets in, it eats away at the undercarriage and cause components to break or fall off while you’re driving. This damage, which occurs through normal use, can be avoided. As soon as you notice even a small bubble, come by rust proofing Brampton. When you deal with rust early, it can save you no end of time and money in the long run.

Is your car showing signs of rust around edges? Better yet, do you want to prevent it from starting?

It is often much easier to prevent rust than to get rid of it. At rust proofing Brampton, our automotive specialists will inspect your paint’s finish for bubbles, scratches or dents. We will immediately remove rust spots before they progress and have the chance to spread.
You can be confident knowing we use a specially formulated compound coating that’s sprayed onto the undercarriage, providing a protective barrier to your vehicles most vulnerable areas. It starts working right away, and it’s recommended you do this rust check annually to help prolong the life of your vehicle (and to maintain your warranty).
Top 5 reasons to choose rust proofing Brampton

• • Higher resale value: rust-free vehicles sell quicker, for more money.
  • Longer lifecycle: by properly protecting the undercarriage, body panels and mechanical parts your vehicle will last longer.
  • Reduce repair costs: if left untreated, rust can spread to brake lines and cables, even your vehicles electrical system.
  • Safer vehicle: over time corrosion will compromise the structural integrity of your car.
  • Best rust proofing application: Diamond Kote provides complete protection for your vehicle, it’s components, and key metal parts.

Don’t let UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and tree sap dull and fade the paint, and ruin the look of your vehicle over time! It’s never too late to start rustproofing your car, and remember: it’s what you can’t see that should concern you.
Protect your investment with rust proofing Brampton
Instead of leaving your vehicle vulnerable to damage this year, bring your car to rust proofing Brampton. Whether it’s your vintage or classic car, or simply a new investment – we will protect it for years to come. Our superior rust proofing treatment keep your vehicle looking and performing its best.

Just bought your first car? It is a very exciting time driving your first vehicle off the lot, and whether it is new or used it will take some care and effort to keep it well maintained. There are many aspects of routine maintenance that are essential for keeping your vehicle operating in peak condition, and preserving the value and quality of your auto over time.

One very important aspect of vehicular maintenance is regular oil changes. Why are oil changes so important you ask? Well, quite simply oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle that helps makes sure you get to point A to point B without incident or breakdown. As humans it is not practical, or even possible, to swap out old blood for fresh every few months, so we need nutritious food and exercise to keep our blood rich with the necessary nutrients and oxygen our bodies need to function. Oil provides a similar service for your vehicle, but becomes dirty and contaminated over time. The main difference being that swapping out old oil for new is not only possible, but crucial for the health of your vehicle.

What does oil do for your vehicle?

The main function of oil in your automobile is to provide lubricant to the many working parts of the engine, absorbing heat and preventing the engine’s metal components from grinding against each other. Fresh oil prevents excessive wear on the engine, reducing friction, and keeping it from overheating and seizing up.

What happens to oil over time?

As you continue to drive your vehicle, the oil works to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. As time passes, the oil begins to lose its viscosity with ongoing use. As the oil thins, it becomes less effective in providing the engine the protection it needs against excessive friction and wear. It also starts to accumulate debris and grime, and even metal shavings if left too long unchanged. Once the oil is contaminated it is no longer doing its job effectively, and can also damage the engine components which may result in costly repairs.

How often should the oil be changed in my vehicle?

The answer to this question varies depending on make and model of the vehicle, type of oil used, driving frequency, as well as the conditions you are driving in on a daily basis.

There are varying opinions on how often your oil should be changed, so the safest bet is to follow the guide in your owner’s manual. This is especially true for new car owners while the warranty is still in effect. Going against the recommendations in the owner’s manual can result in the warranty being rendered void. To keep your warranty intact, you should follow the guidelines on oil type, kilometrage, and time recommendations.

Warning Signs it May be Time for an Oil Change

While you should absolutely follow the recommendations laid out in your owner’s manual, there are also some telltale signs that can be observed to help ensure your engine is not being damaged by contaminated and ineffective oil.

Some warning signs to look out for include:

• Check engine or oil light is illuminated
• Strange sounds
• Strong odors
• Heavy exhaust
• Oil is dark in color
• Extensive travel

Check Engine or Oil Light

This is a very obvious warning sign that your oil is due for a changing. The oil light means your car is directly communicating with you that oil is low or polluted. If the check engine light becomes illuminated this could be a sign of more serious issues, indicating you are at risk of causing damage to the engine.

Strange Sounds

Any clunking or knocking noises emanating from your vehicle could be a signal that the oil is no longer providing sufficient lubrication for the engine. This issue should be addressed immediately to prevent serious damage and expenses.

Strong Odors

If it smells like something is burning while you are driving, or you can smell oil from the inside of your vehicle, chances are your oil is past its prime or may even be leaking.

Heavy Exhaust

Anytime you see heavy smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it is a good idea to take your car in for servicing as soon as possible. There is most likely a problem with the oil or the engine.

Dark Colored Oil

Fresh oil is amber colored with a slight translucency to it. You can check the color of the oil with the dipstick. If it is black in color and contains particles, it is time for an oil change.

Extensive Travel

Any time you are going on a long trip or doing extensive driving over a short period of time, the oil in your vehicle is going to be working overtime. You may consider changing the oil before or after such an occurrence to prevent excessive wear on the engine.