Engine oil is responsible for the lubrication and cooling of engine components, the removal of dirt and particles, and the maintenance of overall vehicle longevity. Without the proper oil and oil filter, your car’s engine cannot perform at its peak capacity. And if left unattended, old or dirty oil can damage your engine irreparably.
Fortunately, changing your oil and oil filter is simple, quick, and straightforward. Here are three tips to make your oil maintenance safe and easy.
Tip #1: Don’t Panic About Black Oil
It is a debunked myth that black oil needs to be changed immediately. In fact, a change in your oil’s color means it is performing it’s cleaning functions. Your oil is designed to wick away dirt and wear particles in the engine and hold those materials in itself.
The important factor to measure is time. Every vehicle is different, but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles. Talk to mechanics at the auto repair shop in Hixson and Chattanooga to figure out exactly what the lifespan of your vehicle’s oil is.
Tip #2: You Can Switch Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil
That’s right! The antiquated notion that you have to stick with only synthetic or conventional oil is nothing more than a myth. Usually, synthetic oils have blends of conventional oils in them anyways.
That doesn’t mean you should be careless with your oil selection, though. Make sure to talk to your mechanic at your next oil change service about which viscosities and blends may be off-limits for your vehicle. But don’t panic next time you have to choose between synthetic and conventional oil!
Tip #3: Be Consistent With Top-offs
While it is true that you can switch between conventional and synthetic oils between oil changes, it is not a good idea to put both kinds of oil in your engine at the same time. The next time you bring your car in for a car oil change service, talk to the mechanics about the necessity of top-offs, and proceed accordingly.
It’s easy to get lost in the technicalities of engine vocabulary, but when it comes to your engine oil there’s no need for the confusion! Mechanics at S&S Auto can have all of your oil concerns addressed in a snap.
