Top 8 Reasons To Keep Up With Your Oil Changes in Louisville, KY

If you commute to work every day, frequently take road trips, or otherwise drive regularly, it might seem like your vehicle needs oil changes every other month. You might be wondering whether you really need to have your vehicle’s oil changed so frequently. You might even be tempted to skip a scheduled change or wait a little longer to take it to the shop.

Although oil changes may seem like minor inconveniences, they’re necessary for your vehicle. Take a closer look at eight reasons to keep up with your oil changes.

Why Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

From improving the gas mileage to increasing the resale value of your vehicle, there are several reasons to schedule oil changes regularly. Find out how oil changes can help you get more value out of your vehicle.

Improve Fuel Economy

No one wants to spend more than necessary on gas. Without routine maintenance, however, your vehicle’s fuel economy can drop as it uses gas less efficiently. Regular oil changes can help your vehicle operate as efficiently as possible. That means you can fill up the gas tankless often and enjoy the related savings over time.

Keep Your Vehicle’s Engine Clean

When you first add new oil to your vehicle, it’s clean. But as the oil does its job, it gradually becomes dirty. Eventually, when it reenters the engine from other systems, the oil can accumulate dirt and dust. If you replace the oil regularly, you don’t have to worry about these particles causing problems. But if you neglect regular oil changes, dirt and sludge can build up in the engine and cause damage.

Protect Related Vehicle Systems

Your vehicle’s engine doesn’t operate in isolation. Virtually every component is part of a series of interconnected systems. When one part struggles with efficiency, the interconnected parts have to deal with the negative effects. However, when a major part runs smoothly, it helps the other parts operate more efficiently. That means routine oil changes can also help to protect key engine parts like the crankshaft, rods, and pistons.

Lengthen the Engine’s Life Span

When you keep the engine clean and make sure your vehicle runs as efficiently as possible, you get an even bigger benefit. By protecting your engine through regular oil changes, you can increase its life span and keep it running longer. As a result, you may be able to limit the need for engine repairs and get more value out of your vehicle.

Reduce Harmful Emissions

Just because Kentucky doesn’t require emissions testing doesn’t mean you can ignore emissions issues. Without regular maintenance, dirty oil can lead to excessive hydrocarbons, which can contribute to harmful emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust. If you have your oil changed on schedule, however, you can keep emissions below acceptable levels and maintain a more sustainable vehicle.

Prevent Serious Engine Failures

As oil ages, it’s constantly exposed to extremely high temperatures. Gradually, the heat causes the oil to break down, which reduces its ability to lubricate engine parts or move through the engine efficiently. Eventually, the oil can no longer do its job properly, which can cause sludge buildup and friction in the engine. Failing to change the oil can ultimately cause serious or catastrophic engine failures while replacing the oil on schedule can help prevent major problems and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Uphold the Manufacturer’s Warranty

If your vehicle is under warranty, there’s a good chance that you need to follow certain preventive maintenance guidelines to take advantage of the included protections. In fact, most manufacturer’s warranties require you to change your vehicle’s oil on a set schedule to protect the systems and ensure efficient operation. If you don’t stick to the schedule, you could risk voiding the warranty and having to pay for repair costs out of pocket.

Increase Potential Resale Value

It doesn’t matter if you just purchased your vehicle new or if you’re starting to think about replacing it with another model. The better care you take of your vehicle over the course of its life span, the more you can get if you opt to resell or trade it in at any point. That means with regular oil changes and preventive maintenance, you may be able to increase the resale value of your vehicle.

How Often Do You Need To Change Your Vehicle’s Oil?

Depending on the age of your vehicle, how often you drive, and the type of oil your car takes, you may need an oil change anywhere from every 3,000 to every 15,000 miles. Here’s how to tell when you need an oil change:

• If you drive a Ford, you can check your vehicle’s Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor to find the recommended time for an oil change.
• If your mechanic placed a sticker on your vehicle’s windshield after the last oil change, you can check it to confirm when to make the next appointment.
• If your vehicle’s oil change light comes on, consider it a good reminder to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Your vehicle’s age, type, and regular driving patterns also determine the type of oil it needs to run smoothly. Based on these factors, your mechanic chooses the best motor oil for your car, truck, or SUV:

• Conventional motor oil: The industry standard, this type of oil often works best for vehicles with average miles, typical engine designs, and low to medium usage.
• Full synthetic motor oil: This oil is designed for vehicles that require more lubrication to achieve peak performance.
• Synthetic blend motor oil: A mix of conventional and synthetic types, synthetic blend motor oil provides many of the positive qualities of synthetic oil without the high price.
• High-mileage motor oil: Designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this type of oil can reduce leaks, limit emissions, and help your vehicle use less oil overall.

Need to schedule an oil change or other vehicle maintenance? The service team at Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has you covered. Schedule a service appointment for any make and model at our Louisville dealership.