One thing about vehicles is that they require regular servicing and maintenance, and owners who regularly service their cars keep them longer and healthier. One of the most important car maintenance tasks and also the simplest task is, changing car oil. But not all car owners know when it’s the best time to change oil.
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The question in the minds of most car owners is usually: should I change my car’s oil based on the time that’s passed since the last service or based on the vehicle mileage?
Below, we explain all you need to know about the best time to change car oil.
Importance of Oil to Cars & Why Car Oil Needs to be Changed
Cars have many moving parts, especially vehicle engines powered by gas. Those are the ones that require car oil changes regularly. In a gas-powered vehicle, the engine is one of its most complex pieces of machinery, and all those moving parts create friction when they touch one another.
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That’s where using engine oil comes in. It’s the lubricant for those car parts that reduces the amount of friction between them. Less friction means less heat, which means less wear and tear on some of the most integral parts of a car.
Drivers who don’t change their car’s oil regularly risk causing significant damage to their car’s engine. In the worst-case scenario, a vehicle with a malfunctioning engine can lead to overheating or total engine failure.
Changing Car Oil by Date or Time: Which is Better?
Most routine car maintenance should be performed regularly, either around a certain number of miles or a specific amount of time; usually, oil changes are between 3,000 and 10,000 miles. The exact mileage will depend on the marque and model of the car. This information is often included for drivers in the vehicle owner’s manual or maintenance guide.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, especially when choosing engine oil for a vehicle. However, not everyone drives their vehicle every day. Some people barely use up a lot of mileage in their cars.
Car owners in those circumstances should still get their car’s oil changed about every six months. Car experts explain that even when you’re not regularly using your car, the oil will still degrade over time. Eventually, the oil will go bad, and it won’t be able to do its job either. That’s why the time between oil changes matters as much as the mileage.
So if your vehicle maintenance guide recommends an oil change every five months or 5,000 miles, treat that as saying, “Every five months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first.”
Other Routine Maintenance Cars Need
Oil changes are not the only routine vehicle maintenance tips. Other routine services can reduce the amount of ageing on a vehicle and prolong its usage. Also, care for the car’s engine coolant. If the engine coolant isn’t replaced often enough, the car’s moving parts can suffer corrosive damage.
Additional vehicle servicing improves driving quality. For instance, inflating the tires to the recommended pressure improves the car’s fuel economy. Ensuring the tires are properly aligned can make the ride smoother. Also, replacing the cabin air filter can keep the interior smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Routine car maintenance is one of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. Don’t wait until your car starts ageing to care for it. Start the maintenance process while it’s st
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