How to Change your Oil?

Getting an oil change is an important, routine procedure that promotes the health of your engine and your vehicle’s lifespan. Whether you plan to change your oil yourself or schedule an appointment with us at United Chevrolet Buick GMC, there are several things to be aware of regarding the importance of an oil change, signs your vehicle needs an oil change, and best practices to use throughout the process.

Why Get an Oil Change?

Image via Flickr by Ivan Radic

Check out these factors that make an oil change a necessary part of your vehicle maintenance routine:

• Oil changes help protect your engine as they prevent excess heat from deteriorating your engine and its individual parts. This is because the oil helps lubricate it as it generates power, which also reduces heat by making it easier for the engine parts to move and therefore prevents engine wear and tear.
• Getting a routine oil change can help you maintain and even increase your vehicle’s gas mileage. This means that you won’t be shelling out more money for the same amount of gas. Subsequently, you also won’t need to make additional stops to the gas station during your weekly commute or family road trip.
• Overall, an oil change can save you valuable time and money by ensuring that your vehicle stays in prime condition. This is because you don’t have to pay expensive repair fees to replace engine parts, and further, you don’t have to purchase a whole new vehicle because your engine is beyond repair.
• If you plan to resell your vehicle to an individual or a dealership, the state of your engine can affect the resale value. So by taking good care of your engine with routine oil changes, you can make sure that you get the best value for your used vehicle at the time of resale.

When To Get an Oil Change

The right time to get an oil change depends on a variety of circumstances surrounding your vehicle type, manufacturing recommendations, the kind of oil you use, and your driving habits. However, according to sources like Kelley Blue Book, the typical timeframe in between oil changes accumulates to every 5,000-7,500 miles driven. Be sure to compare your vehicle’s manufacturing recommendations for oil changes to this average to determine the right interval for getting an oil change. In addition to expert suggestions, you may also need to get an oil change if worrying signs begin to appear.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

There are several signs that may mean your vehicle needs an oil change. Review this list to evaluate whether or not your vehicle is telling you it’s time for a routine oil change:

• If your check engine light comes on, this could mean its time for an oil change, among other possibilities. Some vehicles have a specific check oil light on the dashboard that alerts drivers to low oil levels. If one or both of these lights up on your dashboard, be sure to take your vehicle to your auto repair center to get a check-up.
• If your engine is making noises, this might mean that there isn’t enough oil to lubricate it properly.
• If you experience a shaking sensation coming from the engine when parked or waiting at a stoplight, this could also mean that there isn’t enough oil to lubricate it.
• If your engine’s oil appears dark or has an odd texture when you check it, this means it’s time for new, clean oil.
• If you check the oil in your vehicle and the oil doesn’t reach the full line on the dipstick, this is a sign that your vehicle’s oil levels are low.
• If you can smell oil while driving your car, this could mean its time for an oil change.

How To Do An Oil Change

Whether you want to perform your vehicle’s oil change by yourself or simply understand more about the process, here is how to do an oil change on a car:

1. Collect the right materials to conduct your oil change in a safe and effective manner. These may include protective gloves, a socket or box-end wrench, a funnel for pouring oil, a drain pan to collect old oil, an oil filter wrench, a new oil filter, the correct oil grade, and additional materials as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
2. Review your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the right type of oil grade to use.
3. Take your vehicle for a quick drive or allow it to run while parked outside in order to warm up the engine. Then be sure to turn off the engine and allow it to cool a bit before you change the oil.
4. Use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to identify where to find the oil filter and the drain plug.
5. Place the drain pan beneath the drain plug and unscrew the drain plug using a wrench to release old oil into the pan.
6. Screw the drain plug back on.
7. Unscrew the oil filter cap and drain the oil filter into the drain pan.
8. Replace the oil filter if the owner’s manual requires you to.
9.  Use a funnel to pour in new oil and screw the oil cap back on.
10. Let the engine run for 30 seconds.
11. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.

How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

Because an oil change is a simple and routine procedure, it shouldn’t take long to complete. Depending on appointment volume and the time needed to clean out existing oil, you may get your vehicle back within 15 minutes to an hour so that you can get going to your next destination in no time at all.

Value and Service at United Chevrolet Buick GMC

At United Chevrolet Buick GMC, we are dedicated to making sure your vehicle gets you where you need to go and safely. That’s why our service department offers oil changing services whenever you need one. Just schedule an appointment online, and we’ll contact you as soon as we can to confirm your appointment time. Also, we offer a free multipoint inspection with every oil change so you can ensure the health of other components of your vehicle.

Looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle? We currently have a variety of makes and models for sale. Contact us today and stop by our Jacksonville location to meet with a member of our team. We look forward to serving you and your vehicle needs!