Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. Oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.
All oil has a shelf life, and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.
How do you know when it is time for oil change?
There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need ofan oil change. Here a few examples:
Color and texture of oil
Engine sound
Check engine light
Low level
Time since your last oil change
Color and Texture
When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown color. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change, and possibly a filter change as well.
Engine Sound
If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.
Check Engine Light
Most cars will have an oil gauge on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a check up. If the engine light coming on, may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.
Low Level
You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.
Last Oil Change
One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 3,000- 5,000 kilometres. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.
Frequency Factors
How often you get your oil changed, can be determined by 3 basic factors:
Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
Driving conditions
Environmental conditions
Maintenance Schedule
The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.
Driving Conditions
The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:
Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
Short drives in freezing temperatures
Driving at slow speeds for long distances
Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
Towing something behind your car, or strapping something heavy to the roof
Frequent stops and starts
Environmental Conditions
The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.
If you have questions about what types of automotive services are available, and how they can benefit your vehicle, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is a great place to turn for answers.
Valvoline Express Care has been providing top quality service and products for the automotive industry for over 20 years. The professional and experienced technicians will be able to assess your vehicle and determine what maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Here are some examples of frequently asked questions about automotive service.
Do I need regular oil changes for my vehicle?
Yes, routine oil changes are a part of good vehicle maintenance. Getting your oil changed consistently benefits your vehicle by:
Increasing engine performance
More efficient fuel economy
Prevents engine damage from build up of sludge and sediment
Cleaner emissions
Prolonged life of your vehicle
What causes a car battery to die?
The battery is a crucial component of your vehicle because it brings the engine the power needed to make it run. A dead battery can be caused by many factors, like:
Electrical components (like light or radio) left on while engine is not running
Corroded or loose connectors
Doors left ajar
Extreme temperatures
Weak battery – caused by improper care or limited engine use
End of battery’s life
The battery in your car will not last forever, so if you find you battery is no longer holding a charge effectively, you should take it in for servicing.
What is a Transmission Service?
Just like having your oil changed, transmission service is something you should have done toyour vehicle on a regular basis as a part of routine maintenance. It may be time to have your transmission flushed if you are noticing any of the following:
Delay in acceleration when you step on the gas
Grinding or clunking noises
Erratic or difficult gear shifting
Vehicle surges for no apparent reason
It is recommended to have your transmission flushed every 30,000 kilometers or so. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your vehicle.
Is it a good idea to clean my care engine?
The answer to this question is a bit tricky. The answer is yes, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, it is NOT recommended to just start hosing your engine down and cleaning it. There are several electrical components that could be damaged by excessive exposure to water.
To avoid causing any critical damage to your engine, have an automotive professional do the cleaning for you. It is suggested that you have your engine cleaned once or twice a year depending on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and type of vehicle.
An engine cleaning can help your vehicle by:
Increasing horsepower and fuel economy
Removing sludge and sediment from the engine
Enhancing performance
Maintaining value
Why should I use Valvoline Express Care Brampton for my automotive needs?
There are many excellent reasons to use Valvoline to service and maintain your vehicle. Here are a few of those:
Over 20 plus years experience in the automotive industry
