3 Things You Might Not Know About Getting An Oil Change

There's a seemingly never-ending list of maintenance tasks you need to keep up with on your car, but getting regular oil changes is one of the most important. Keeping clean oil in your car keeps all of the engine's many moving parts well lubricated, which can help them last longer and run more smoothly. You know the importance of changing your oil, but there are a few things about oil changes you might not know.

All Motor Oil is Not Created Equal

You get what you pay for when it comes to motor oil, so make sure you're putting quality oil into your car (or that your mechanic/dealership is). Ideally, you'll want a synthetic oil, as these will last longer without breaking down. If your car has high mileage on it (around 80,000 miles or higher), you may also want to consider a special high-mileage formula for your oil which will help to protect and prolong the life of your engine.

You Should Change Your Oil Filter, Too

Any time you change the oil in your car, you should also have the oil filter changed. Most dealerships or auto shops will include this as part of your oil change, but it's always a good idea to check and make sure it's included with yours. Without a clean oil filter, that fresh oil in your car isn't going to do much good.

Changing Your Own Oil Isn't Always a Great Idea

While it is possible to change your own oil at home rather than relying on a mechanic or other service to handle this for you, it's generally recommended that you leave this up to a professional. Handling your own oil change will require you to go out and buy several different parts and have a solid understanding of what you're doing. Otherwise, you could end up causing damage to your engine. Instead of taking the risk of changing your own oil, have it done by an experienced professional. Yes, you may spend a little more, but you'll enjoy added peace of mind and most mechanics will also throw in a free vehicle inspection, top off your fluids, and more.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when it comes to getting your car's oil changed. With all this new information, now you can make well-informed decisions when it comes to your vehicle's routine care and maintenance. To learn more, contact a company like M & R Automotive Service Center Inc. 

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