The Ultimate Guide to Oil Change: Types, Frequency, and Benefits
Oil change plays a crucial part in maintaining your vehicle’s health. The oil in your vehicle is responsible for many important functions. This includes smooth engine functioning, heat dissipation, and cleaning of the vehicle system. Understanding the importance of regular oil changes can have great benefits for your car.
Read this informative guide to learn more about the process before scheduling your oil change in Elizabethton, Tennessee at A1 AutoCare & Tire Centre.
Different Types of Oils
There are four types of oil you can choose from. Each has its unique set of properties, advantages, and characteristics that provide different levels of engine protection. Depending on such traits, they differ in costs too.
Conventional Oil
Conventional oil, otherwise known as ‘standard oil’, is made from crude oil. Mostly natural, it is moderately refined to enhance its viscosity and protective properties. This helps your engine to run smoothly.
One advantage of using conventional oil is its budget-friendliness. It is the cheapest oil you can find in the market which is also well-suited for most vehicles. However, since it isn’t well refined, it breaks down at a quicker rate than synthetic oil, becoming dirtier and sludgier. At extreme temperatures, it may not offer the protection other options allow.
This makes conventional oil best for older vehicles with lower mileage or vehicles with low-performance requirements.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is highly refined and manufactured in a lab. It is created from a base oil, powder additives, and a carrier oil. Because it is made in a controlled environment, the results provide the best engine protection. This type of oil is suitable for extreme temperatures. Moreover, it is more long-lasting and improves the vehicle’s horsepower.
Due to its advanced qualities, synthetic oil comes with a bigger price tag. It is also not compatible with older vehicles. Newer vehicles with high performance or vehicles functioning in extreme weather benefit the most from synthetic oil.
High Mileage Oil
High mileage oil is manufactured specifically for vehicles with a mileage of over 75,000 miles. Since such vehicles are more prone to oil burn-off and corrosion, this type of oil offers extra protection. It has special additives such as specialized cleansers, seal conditioners, viscosity modifiers, and anti-corrosion agents. They help reduce engine wear and oil consumption, decrease oil leaks, and prevent sludge buildup.
Although it is more expensive than conventional oil, high mileage oil is ideal for vehicles with a high mileage or older vehicles that are burning oil.
Synthetic Blend Oil
Blend oil is the middle-ground between conventional oil and synthetic oil. Drivers who want affordability and performance usually opt for this type of oil as it combines the best qualities of both oils. It offers better protection and lasts longer than conventional oil. However, it is not quite at par with synthetic oil. In terms of price, it is more affordable than synthetic oil.
Blended oil is not for vehicles that have a high performance.
Frequency of an Oil Change
There are various factors at play when you’re deciding the frequency of an oil change.
Manufacturer's Guidelines
The first place to look at when making this decision is the vehicle’s manual. In general, most vehicles need an oil change after covering a distance of 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Newer models have improved mileage and can go as far up to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change.
Reading the vehicle manual can help you in knowing when it’s time for an oil change. The manufacturer knows your vehicle’s model and its unique requirements. This allows them to provide the most effective guidelines that can optimize vehicle performance.
Driving Habits
Your driving habits affect your vehicle’s need for an oil change the most. Your oil can lose its effectiveness faster if:
- You make frequent short trips
- You drive in stop-and-go traffic a lot
- Your vehicle does heavy towing
- Your vehicle has high-performance requirements
Such factors may increase the vehicle’s need for an oil change service.
Climate
The climate in which you drive can determine the frequency of an oil change. At extreme temperatures, the vehicle may need more routine oil changes. In Elizabethton, Tennessee, the weather conditions don’t fluctuate a lot. This reduces the need for a change of oil.
Vehicle Age
The type of oil that is in the vehicle can have an impact on the need for oil changes. Because it breaks down faster, conventional oil increases the need. If your vehicle uses synthetic oil, oil changes should usually happen every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Benefits of Oil Change
Getting your oil changed is a quick and effective treatment. Most drivers aren’t aware of the long-lasting benefits of the process. Here are a few reasons why you should routinely get an oil change:
1. A More Efficient Engine
Regularly cleaning your oil can improve engine efficiency. Over time, the oil becomes dirty, carrying debris that can lodge themselves inside the engine. This increases friction and wear and tear. This can lead to inefficient performance and delayed functioning, reducing engine life.
2. Improved Gas Mileage
A more efficient engine leads to better gas mileage. Engines running with fresh oil operate more smoothly and faster, improving the vehicle’s fuel use.
3. Heat Dissipation
A working engine can produce a lot of heat. Without effective heat dissipation, the engine becomes more prone to breakdowns. Frequent oil changes can ensure efficient engine cooling which prolongs engine life.
4. Eco-friendly Nature
Waiting to get your oil changed can lead to harmful chemical accumulation in the engine. This increases the risk of toxic emissions from your vehicle. Not only is your health endangered, but it also leads to harmful effects on your environment. Regular oil changes control such emissions.
If you have specific questions about your vehicle, feel free to reach out to us at (423) 543-5657.
Visit us at 104 Iodent Way, Elizabethton, TN. Your vehicle is safe with us!