One of the most common maintenance routines needed to keep your vehicle going is to have the oil and oil filter replaced. Engine oil is the most important fluid in any vehicle and should not be neglected. The average commuter should have an oil change service performed around every 3,000 miles. In newer vehicles, the oil change interval can be prolonged, due to synthetic oils, and changed around every 5,000 miles. In any case, you should have the oil and oil filter changed periodically per your manufacturer’s recommendation.
Do not hesitate to call our expert technicians at AG Automotive if you have any questions or concerns about the quality of your car’s engine oil. We will schedule a time to perform an engine oil service and get you back out on the road in no time!
Why do you need to change the oil in your vehicle?
As vehicle manufacturers work to produce the latest and greatest models for the world, we are seeing that engines are becoming increasingly more complex. In turn, for an engine to function at peak performance, the working tolerances between engine components have been significantly reduced. New emission control components, prolonged routine oil change intervals, frequent city driving, and higher ambient temperatures all contribute to the deterioration of engine oil. The purpose of engine oil is to lubricate the interworking components within an engine which helps reduce friction and greatly increases the lifespan of the engine.
It is also common to see a reduction in time between engine oil change intervals if you live in a climate with high ambient temperatures. On top of the heat generated by the engine, frequently driving on hot days can cause additional thermal expansion within the engine. This extra expansion can reduce the tolerances between a gasket and fuel injector, causing poor combustion and increased deposits being mixed with the fuel.
Our expert technicians at AG Automotive know the importance of not going cheap on the most important fluid that keeps your engine running in top-notch order. Choosing the right oil can be compared to purchasing a new set of tires- you should not choose the cheapest option available because they are the only thing keeping you and your vehicle off the ground.
“It’s easier to explain price once than to apologize for quality forever.” -Zig Ziglar
How to check the quality of your engine oil yourself:
Checking the condition of your oil is easy! The most common indication that an engine oil service is needed can be identified by the color of the oil on the dipstick. If it is translucent and has a yellow tint to it, then you are in the clear. But if the oil appears to be jet black, has a thick consistency, has particles of engine debris, or is no longer translucent, an oil change service is long overdue.
Prolonging routine oil changes is one of the worst things you can do to the health and longevity of your vehicle. If neglected, deposit build-up in the oil may cause additional and costly wear and tear on the engine. A successful engine oil flush should ensure that the oil coming out is clean, smooth, and new.
The main concerns: Oil sludge & carbon deposits
In a perfect world, your engine oil will stay clean and clear of debris. But it is all too common for mechanical issues to arise when around 30,000+ parts are working in conjunction with each other. This isn’t good news for your oil as it is an easy target for mechanical mishaps. Any contaminants that mix with the fuel can cause the formation of oil sludge.
You don’t have to be an expert to help prevent the build-up of sludge in your engine. Some mechanical issues can even catch the savviest vehicle enthusiasts by surprise. But knowing how you can help avoid these problems will save you vehicle downtime and potentially major savings down the road. Choosing the right oil for your engine is an easy way to not only avoid engine sludge but ensure you are getting maximum longevity and performance out of your vehicle. Oil has other important functions besides its lubricating properties. It contains a limited concentration of detergents that help other additives protect your engine against additional wear, reduce oxidation and increase its effectiveness all around.
Schedule an oil change service today!
If your vehicle is experiencing excess vehicle exhaust, increased engine noise, irregular oil texture, or rough idling, schedule an appointment with AG Automotive today to diagnose, assess and fix the root of the problem! Our expert technicians have the tools and knowledge to replace your vehicle’s engine oil with the best quality products so you can get back on the road in no time and drive with confidence.
At AG Automotive, our team strives to exceed manufacturer expectations, even if we are performing a simple oil change service. That is why we listen to understand our customer’s needs and allow them to choose a specific type or brand of oil and filter for their vehicle in place of our recommendations.
We offer our customers a full-service engine oil change which includes:
- Change engine oil and filter (Pull oil filter out before draining oil on canister style oil filters)
- Lube Chassis
- Check air filter (Clean or Replace as needed) (Note parts if used)
- Drain fuel water separator
- Check and top off all fluid levels as needed (Note parts if used)
- Install oil change mileage sticker
- Reset oil indicator light
- Clean and test drive
- Recheck engine oil level and for leaks
- Quality Check