What You Should Know When Changing Your Motor Oil

Keeping up with ongoing vehicle maintenance can be a lot of work. This guide discusses some things to remember when it comes time to change your oil.

Internal combustion vehicles are essential forms of transportation that allow people to travel, deliver goods, and run errands with little effort. However, they require maintenance to ensure they stay in good condition and run efficiently.

You must regularly replace tires and brakes, change filters, and ensure fluids are full. One of the most important things to remember is to get regular oil changes. Here’s what you should know when changing your motor oil.

The Recommended Interval

Regularly refresh the engine oil to prevent accumulation of sludge and debris. Going too long without an oil change can cause undue wear on your vehicle’s engine. Low oil levels or contaminated oil can lead to significant problems.

In the past, automakers recommended an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles. However, vehicles manufactured in recent years can go a bit longer. Engines that use semi-synthetic oils can go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before needing an oil change.

The Correct Viscosity

You should also know the correct oil viscosity for your vehicle. Depending on your engine type, it may require reduced friction. Thick oils are less sensitive to particle contamination but don’t flow easily, increasing the chances of metal-on-metal contact.

Learning what SAE stands for in motor oil will give you an idea of what’s available. The term refers to the classification system by the Society of Automotive Engineers that determines how well oil holds up in certain temperatures. Viscous oil flows more slowly in low-temperature conditions than low-viscosity oil.

Your Engine’s Size

Be aware of the size of your engine when changing engine oil or taking it to a mechanic to get the job done. If you don’t supply your engine with the right volume of clean oil, it could sustain significant damage. Too much oil can cause slippage, and too little will prevent it from functioning.

The engine size usually depends on the number of cylinders. While three and four-cylinder vehicles only use about five quarts of motor oil, V-12s can hold up to 12 gallons! Keep in mind that oil system capacity can vary depending on the make, model, and year.

Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

No matter the vehicle you drive, you should refresh the engine oil at the recommended intervals to keep it in good condition. Now that you know more about changing your motor oil, you can keep your investment running smoothly for as long as possible.