Why do we need an occasional oil change? First, regular oil lubricates all of the moving parts in your engine, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Second, it also helps prevent your vehicle from overheating (which causes your engine to smoke up the road!) by reducing friction, moving the cooling fluids, absorbing byproducts of combustion, and even absorbing heat when the engine is idling. Third, regular oil changes save you money. A well-lubricated engine lasts longer, which means that you can get a discount on your next engine purchase!
Every three thousand miles or every sixty thousand miles you drive, have your vehicle checked for performance. It’s recommended that you change the oil in your vehicle every three thousand miles or every sixty thousand miles if you drive long distances or are using a lot of diesel-powered engines. If you don’t already have an oil change interval on your vehicle, purchase an oil filter and a special tool for changing the oil in your vehicle. You may also choose to purchase an automatic or manual transmission if you are going through a big change in driving habits (for example, changing from manual to automatic.) Changing your transmission fluid will be especially helpful if you are going through a big change in engine power.
You must remove your vehicle’s battery before you begin any engine oil change procedures. This is because the only way the oil can reach all of the parts of your vehicle is through the engine oil and the holes that have been drilled into the engine block. Removing the battery also ensures that you don’t put anything else in your vehicle that could damage these delicate parts.
After you’ve drained your vehicle and completed your oil change, you must wait fifteen minutes before plugging the new oil level into your vehicle’s drain fitting. This time is called the drain line’s “drain stop.” The oil level will be properly adjusted, the old oil level flushed out and any contaminates flushed away from the engine and drain pipe.
Be sure to remove the hoses and gaskets from both the oil filter and the engine radiator. Remove the radiator cap and set it aside. Now it’s time to check your oil levels! Your vehicle should show any signs of leaking such as small drips or puddles underneath the hood.
Check the drain plug that is located under the top of your vehicle. It’s not common for an engine to leak while the oil level is low, so if this is the case, it means there is some type of problem with the drain plug. On the other hand, if your vehicle is leaking, then the drain plug is either damaged or corroded. Replace it with a new one if it needs replacing. Once you have replaced the drain plug, you can begin your oil change.
If your vehicle was not started properly, then your engine is too dirty to run properly. In this case, a good oil change is your best option. However, if you are sure that the engine has been started before you give it a chance to be properly greased, then by all means, perform an oil change.
When performing an oil change on your car engine, be sure to inspect all moving parts. Check your oil filters, crankshaft, oil pump, fuel tank, oil lines, spark plugs, valves, exhaust system and a lot more. By doing so, you’ll avoid expensive repairs if something were to go wrong during your regular oil changes. Keep in mind that when changing your oil, your vehicle should be running at all times, so check for leaks immediately after starting your vehicle and perform your oil changes when needed!
Need an car appointment or looking for auto services, call Saline Auto (734) 429-2886 for Oil Change, Transmission and Car Maintenance.
