Oil Change and Filter Change

One of the most important regular maintenance tasks that should be performed on your car is the filter and oil change. In vehicles where the oil is changed regularly, there are far fewer engine problems and the engine lasts longer overall. Since the engine is the heart of your car, it only makes sense that special care should be given to it.

The good news is that an filter and oil change is one of the least expensive maintenance jobs for any vehicle. But how does this really protect your engine? There are many moving parts in a car’s engine. In fact, most cars use a four-stroke combustion cycle to convert gasoline into motion.  The four strokes are:

• Intake stroke
• Compression stroke
• Combustion stroke
• Exhaust stroke

These parts must be adequately lubricated in order to move freely. Your oil is what facilitates this process. When oil breaks down, it loses the additives and becomes contaminated. The filter becomes clogged with these contaminants and the oil gets darker with sooty deposits.

See Also: Different Tire and Auto Services in West Palm Beach, FL

Skipping oil changes can cause significant engine wear and reduce the life of your engine. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles but you should take into consideration many factors. If you live in a warm state like Florida, your oil stays at a warmer temperature all the time. It may not cool off much even at night with the car parked in the garage. The humidity is also higher in south Florida than in other states. This can mean that your oil should be changed promptly every 3,000 miles.

Your driving habits can also greatly affect the frequency of oil changes. Some drivers use their cars to drive 20 or 30 miles to work and back each day, but some professions require more driving. A real estate agent probably drives all day, stopping and starting a lot. Highway driving can cause more wear and tear on your engine. If you’re in one of those scenarios where you drive a lot, then consider oil change at least every 3,000 miles just to be on the safe side. This precaution can make your engine last years longer saving you thousands of dollars.