When should you change your oil ?
For as long as automobiles have been around, owners have been confused about how frequently they need to have their oil changed. The topic of oil changes has been a major source of arguments and confusion throughout the years. So, how often should you change your oil? While the exact answer may vary depending on a variety of situations, here is a quick guide that can help give you a better idea of when your oil should be changed.
Why is Oil Important to My Car?
The engine of a vehicle is made up of several moving parts. In order to ensure that all of the parts are moving smoothly, they need a lubricant or oil. The moving parts are made of metal and tend to get extremely hot, so it is especially important that they stay properly lubricated. In addition to keeping all of the components lubricated, the oil also helps to clean out any dirt and debris from the engine. Over time, this causes the oil to become saturated in dirt which makes it not work as effectively. For this reason, it is vital that you do not wait too long between oil changes.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
In general, the oil in your vehicle should be changed around every 3,000 km. However, if you can’t make it to a service department that often, you could probably change the oil around 5,00o to 7,500 km, but there are a few things to consider if you are going to wait that long, which include:
• Driving in cold climates. Because the engine can get extremely hot, driving around in cold temperatures often can cause condensation in your engine which could contaminate the oil and make it not as effective.
• Short Trips. If you take a lot of short trips in your vehicle, the engine is unable to heat up properly which means that the oil is not able to get warm enough to clean out the engine properly.
• Driving on Dirt Roads. If you make frequent trips on dirt or dusty roads, it could cause your oil to become saturated with dirt at a much faster rate.
If you drive in any of the conditions listed above, you will probably want to get your oil changed more regularly than twice a year to ensure that your engine is able to stay in peak condition.
New Vehicle Oil Change
While the road conditions and travel times are a good indication of when you should change your oil, modern technology has made it even easier. Most new vehicles are equipped with an oil monitor that can sense when your oil needs to be changed and sends you a subtle warning. Once your oil has been changed, the technician will reset the monitor to ensure that it will be able to accurately notify you of your oil levels in the future.
Finding the Right Oil Changers in Ottawa
If you feel that your oil needs to be changed, feel free to contact us today. At Myers Barrhaven Toyota, we have only the most experienced and knowledgeable technicians working for us. They will be able to change your oil and have you back on the road in a timely manner.
