When to get an Oil Change
Here at Faulkner Automotive Group, one of the biggest questions our service teams receive is, “How often to get an oil change?” While this depends on your vehicle's model and mileage, a good rule of thumb is to change your vehicle's oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Regularly changing your vehicle's oil is one of the easiest ways to extend its lifespan and maintain top performance. From improved fuel economy to reduced emissions, a clean engine is a happy and well-running engine.
To learn a few tips and tricks to keeping your engine healthy, check out our brief guide and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Life gets busy. We know that between work, family, and an active social life, its easy to let things like oil changes fall off your radar. That's why each of our service centers are staffed by a team of pros who are ready to create a plan for you!
Not only can they create a calendar tailored to your specific vehicle's needs, we'll send you a reminder as you approach a new service milestone.
Of course, the best way to keep your vehicle in peak condition is to check your oil every couple of months, which you can easily do from home, using a shop rag or paper towel. Find a level spot to park your vehicle. For best results, try not to inspect your oil after a long drive, as your oil's viscosity might be affected.
Pull the dip stick from the engine, taking note of the oil's color and scent. Clean oil should be translucent and odorless. Wipe the dipstick and return it to its holster. Remove the stick again, and this time, inspect its oil level.
How to Check your oil
- Turn Off Your Engine – To ensure that you and your vehicle are safe during this process, you want to make sure your engine is fully cooled off before diving under the hood. This usually takes about 10 minutes after turning off the engine.
- Locate Your Oil Dipstick – Because every car is different, your dipstick could be in a number of places. It will typically be either in the front near the engine or in the back.
- Pull Out the Dipstick – After you remove the dipstick from the reservoir, wipe it clean with a lint-free rag, then reinsert it into its home. This makes sure you’ll receive an accurate reading.
- Remove the Dipstick a Second Time – This is when you’re going to take note of the oil that is at the end of the stick. First, look at the color. Fresh oil is amber, so if it’s dark in color, it’s time for an oil change. Next, inspect the level. If it reaches the “full” line, you’re good to go. However, if it says you need to “add” oil, do so as soon as possible. Finally, feel the consistency and give it a whiff. If it seems sludgy or contains any particles, schedule an oil change! Also, if it smells of gas, it’s also time to replace it with a fresh batch.
- Put the Dipstick Back into the Pipe – There you have it! You have just checked your oil.
Why Should I change my Oil?
Oil works hard in keeping your engine lubricated and cooled, allowing you to hit the streets carefree. However, over time this substance can diminish or become contaminated, making it work less effectively. And without enough clean oil under your hood, your car can suffer some serious damage down the line.
That’s why it’s smart to check your oil once a month. This will help you to know if you need to add more oil under the hood or if it’s time for a complete change. Now, let’s dive into how to check the oil in your vehicle.
Why Do I Need an Oil Change Every 5,000 to 10,000 Miles? Your engine is the beating heart of your vehicle, and in many ways, motor oil serves as its lifeblood. Not only does oil lubricate the thousands of intricate metal parts, it also clears away moisture, dirt, and other dangerous particles. Essentially, without motor oil, your engine would quickly start to overheat and break down.
Over time, the oil inside your engine loses viscosity. You’ll start to notice its natural amber color will slowly transform into a dark black hue. If not replaced, your engine’s oil will start to thicken, causing several issues––including weak acceleration, poor fuel economy, and even engine seizure.
Fortunately, by maintaining a regular maintenance schedule, you can easily avoid these potential issues while enjoying reliable performance.
How long does an Oil Change take?
We appreciate the role your vehicle plays in your day-to-day life. That’s why our service team will do everything they can to make your experience swift and successful. Fortunately, in most cases, a routine oil change is relatively quick and simple.
To schedule an appointment, you’re welcome to call or contact us online. Once your request is submitted, one of our reps will be in touch to confirm your date and answer any questions you have.
If you’re really short on time, stop by during service hours and we’ll get your vehicle into one of our bays as soon as possible.
Choosing the right motor Oil
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine and requires a specific type in order to operate at peak performance. The kind of oil your car requires will depend heavily on your specific make, model, engine type, and mileage. When trying to figure out the best type of oil to use, the first place you should turn is your owner’s manual. The next best option is to visit the team at Faulkner Automotive Group Service Center, who have been helping Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg & Trevose drivers answer this important question for decades.
The specific type of oil your car uses will be subject to your engine’s individual requirements. Deviating from the manufacturer’s guidelines can result in poor engine performance, lowered fuel-efficiency and in some extreme cases – engine seizure. To ensure the best outcome, you should always work alongside a certified technician who can provide professional insight and advice over the lifetime of your vehicle. A few other factors you should make a point to consider when choosing motor oil include your personal driving style, local climate and the age of your vehicle.
The main purpose of motor oil is to lubricate the hundreds of moving metal parts inside your car’s engine while removing any dangerous particles that get trapped inside. Generally, you’ll want to use motor oil that can adequately withstand the internal pressures placed on it while considering any normal fluctuations in temperature caused by the weather.
When you visit a service center or auto supply store, you’ll often come face-to-face with dozens of different oil brands, blends, and viscosities. While each serves a distinct purpose, all motor oil can basically be broken down into four distinct categories:
- Conventional - Derived from crude fossil fuels, conventional oil goes through a refinement process that restructures its chemical makeup and removes impurities before it reaches your engine. Typically, the most affordable option on the market, conventional oil is most often used in older cars and cars with simple engine designs.
- Synthetic Oil - Similar to conventional oil, synthetic oil undergoes an additional refinement process and is chemically engineered to better withstand extreme temperature. Synthetic is ideal for high-performance models or cars with variable valve timing and direct injection engines.
- Synthetic Blend - A mixture of conventional oil with synthetic additives, this blend is an acceptable middle ground for those looking to reap the benefits of synthetic but stay closer to conventional oil’s price range.
- High-Mileage - Specifically used for car’s with more than 75,000 miles, high-mileage contains special chemical compounds to help keep older engines cleaner and help prevent any cracking or leaks from occurring.
Schedule an Oil Change today
If you need further assistance assessing your oil or you have found it’s time for an oil change, contact Faulkner Automotive Group. Our team of professionals can handle this for you, allowing your vehicle to run smoothly well into the future.
