The Importance Of A Vehicle Oil Change

If you own your own vehicle, you must be prepared to care for the vehicle properly

, and on a regular basis. Engine maintenance involves many different tasks, but one of the most important tasks of engine maintenance is checking and replacing the oil regularly.

What is Engine Oil?

Engine oil is a special fluid that is contained in a reservoir next to your vehicle's engine. As the engine runs, this oil is dispersed throughout the internal components to reduce friction and help the engine run smoothly. Without this oil lubricating the engine, the engine parts would generate too much friction and wear out. Every vehicle requires a very specific type of oil with its own unique viscosity.

Replacing Engine Oil

Engine oil does not last forever. In order to keep your engine running smoothly, the oil must be changed on a regular basis. There are two reasons for this. First, as oil courses through your engine, it gathers byproducts and other impurities which change the consistency of the oil. When you pull the dipstick out of your oil reservoir, you will notice that the oil is typically a brown or black color. When the oil goes in, however, it is usually translucent and much lighter. This color change is caused by impurities mixing with the oil.

The second reason why engine oil must be replaced on a regular basis is that engine oil gradually loses its viscosity. The viscosity of the oil is the slipperiness of the oil. Engine that has a low viscosity will not be able to adequately reduce the friction in your engine's internal components. Engine oil levels should be checked constantly, and engine oil should be changed every 3,000 driven miles or every four to six months.

How To Perform an Oil Change

There are two ways to perform a basic oil change on your vehicle. One is much easier than the other. The first way is to simply take your vehicle to a professional auto maintenance facility and have the procedure performed for you. There are many facilities around the country, and some of these facilities specialize only in oil and other fluid checks and changes. These fast-paced oil change facilities offer oil changes that can be completed in less than 15 minutes. For individuals with hectic schedules, this fast oil change procedure is an added bonus. The cost of getting your oil and other fluids changed is also relatively inexpensive. Typically, the entire procedure can be completed for less than $20.

If you like to do things yourself or want to save a little money, you can change your vehicle's oil by yourself. The exit valve for engine oil is located beneath the vehicle. To change the oil, consumers can consult their vehicle's manual to locate this valve and open it, draining the oil into a special container. Once the old oil has been drained and disposed of, new oil can be added into the reservoir. It is important to consult your vehicle's manual to determine exactly what type of engine oil is required for your particular vehicle.

by: Tom Burns

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