4 Things You Need to Know About Your Engine Oil
As a vehicle owner, there are some things you should know regardless of your depth of knowledge in the mechanical world. For instance, you should know how to pump gas, use the vehicle's instruments such as turning signals and headlights, and check tire pressure and add air if necessary. One thing that a lot of vehicle owners don't know about, but should, is their engine's oil. Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC thinks this is an important part of vehicle ownership responsibility that you should have a better understanding of.
Here are 4 things that all vehicle owners should know about their engine oil:
Why keeping up with your oil changes is important:
First of all, oil keeps your car's engine lubricated ensuring that important moving parts in your engine do not grind together and cause unnecessary wear and tear or too much heat. It also helps to contain all the nasty byproduct of combustion, preventing your engine from working too hard. Keeping your oil topped off in the long run will save you money on repairs.
Everyone should know how to check their oil level:
It's really not rocket science, or even difficult for those that are not mechanically inclined. This is a basic maintenance step that every car owner should know how to do. When your engine is cool, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off so that you're able to see the markings easily. Put the clean dipstick back into the engine and pull it out again. Check to see where the oil level is. It should be closer to the maximum line than the minimum. If it's low, you can add oil to top it off. If you are concerned about the color of your oil, don't worry. Black or brown colored oil means that the oil is doing what it should. Just keep track of the last time you had your oil changed and make sure have it changed regularly.
What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil?
There really is an important difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil. The biggest difference
is that mineral oil is essentially the same as when it is pulled from the ground, and synthetic oil is distilled and broken down to their base molecules, and also often has additives that help keep the oil cleaner for longer. This allows you to safely drive more miles between oil changes without harming your engine. Mineral oil may be cheaper, but they also have more impurities and will not provide as smooth of lubrication as synthetic would.
How often should you change your oil?
Typically the standard rule of thumb is every 3 months or every 3000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you should check your owner's manual for manufacturer's recommendation. Keep in mind that if you run synthetic oil, you can generally go longer before needing to change the oil. Typically with synthetic oil, the rule of thumb is every 6 months or every 6000 miles, whichever comes first.
With these 4 bits of information, you'll be able to prevent future problems with your vehicle by becoming more familiar with your vehicle's engine. You'll also save yourself money by keeping your car in good running condition and out of the shop. If you do need to bring your car to the shop to be worked on or for a quick oil change, we have a fantastic experienced auto service staff at the Lake of the Ozarks that would be happy to take a look at your vehicle and maintain it for you. Just give us a call to schedule your service appointment today at (573) 317-4189.
513 N. Business Route 5
Sales: 573.317.4191
Here are 4 things that all vehicle owners should know about their engine oil:
Why keeping up with your oil changes is important:
First of all, oil keeps your car's engine lubricated ensuring that important moving parts in your engine do not grind together and cause unnecessary wear and tear or too much heat. It also helps to contain all the nasty byproduct of combustion, preventing your engine from working too hard. Keeping your oil topped off in the long run will save you money on repairs.
Everyone should know how to check their oil level:It's really not rocket science, or even difficult for those that are not mechanically inclined. This is a basic maintenance step that every car owner should know how to do. When your engine is cool, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off so that you're able to see the markings easily. Put the clean dipstick back into the engine and pull it out again. Check to see where the oil level is. It should be closer to the maximum line than the minimum. If it's low, you can add oil to top it off. If you are concerned about the color of your oil, don't worry. Black or brown colored oil means that the oil is doing what it should. Just keep track of the last time you had your oil changed and make sure have it changed regularly.
What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil?
There really is an important difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil. The biggest difference
is that mineral oil is essentially the same as when it is pulled from the ground, and synthetic oil is distilled and broken down to their base molecules, and also often has additives that help keep the oil cleaner for longer. This allows you to safely drive more miles between oil changes without harming your engine. Mineral oil may be cheaper, but they also have more impurities and will not provide as smooth of lubrication as synthetic would.
How often should you change your oil?
Typically the standard rule of thumb is every 3 months or every 3000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you should check your owner's manual for manufacturer's recommendation. Keep in mind that if you run synthetic oil, you can generally go longer before needing to change the oil. Typically with synthetic oil, the rule of thumb is every 6 months or every 6000 miles, whichever comes first.
With these 4 bits of information, you'll be able to prevent future problems with your vehicle by becoming more familiar with your vehicle's engine. You'll also save yourself money by keeping your car in good running condition and out of the shop. If you do need to bring your car to the shop to be worked on or for a quick oil change, we have a fantastic experienced auto service staff at the Lake of the Ozarks that would be happy to take a look at your vehicle and maintain it for you. Just give us a call to schedule your service appointment today at (573) 317-4189.
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
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