Changing the oil in your vehicle is a simple yet effective maintenance task. Sticking to a schedule will help ensure your car lasts longer. However, not all vehicles use the same oil or need oil changes at the same time. It’s essential to learn about what works best for your car. Learn more in this quick guide about how and when to get your oil changed.
Older Cars Need More Attention
Older model cars may need regular oil change maintenance more often than newer ones. Their oil-change schedules rely on mileage milestones and whether the car undergoes normal or heavy usage. If you have an older-model car, you can determine if your car falls into the heavy usage group. Frequent short trips, extreme climates, and towing heavy loads all contribute to wear and tear on a vehicle and might mean you’ll need more frequent oil changes.
In addition, high-mileage cars often need more attention. As a vehicle accumulates more mileage, your mechanic may recommend switching to a high-mileage synthetic oil even if you were using a conventional oil before. This is because synthetic oils will flow better through sluggish systems and can help maintain necessary seals.
Newer Vehicles Have Monitoring Systems
Most newer cars have sensors that monitor the oil levels. These sensors will alert the driver when the oil becomes too low or has begun to degrade. The latest car sensors closely monitor driving conditions and give a more accurate assessment. Additionally, drivers won’t need to consider whether they’re operating their vehicles in more severe usage conditions. The sensors will determine whether the driver uses the car for heavy-duty tasks.
When It’s Time for an Oil Change
Many drivers learned to change their car’s oil every 3,000 or even every 5,000 miles, but today’s vehicles need a more nuanced approach. Not only does the type of usage play a role, but all the other features which deliver performance can impact how quickly the car needs new oil. Owners of older cars should check their owner’s manual when working out an oil change schedule, then adapt based on usage and wear and tear. Newer models use sensors, so owners can use those alerts and the owner’s manual to develop a maintenance schedule.
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What Happens When You Don’t Change the Oil
Some people don’t understand why changing the oil is so important, while others do but miss appointments. Life can keep you busy, and you could forget to perform this vital maintenance. However, the cost of going too long without changing your oil can be steep. If you wait too long, it could cause irreparable damage to your engine and shorten the life of your car. Most insurance policies don’t cover this type of damage.
Fortunately, Lee Nissan in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has a skilled and experienced service department. They’ll help you schedule your critical service appointments and take care of your vehicle’s oil change quickly and professionally. Call today or stop by to make an appointment and keep your car in tip-top shape for years to come.
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