Why Are Oil Changes So Important?
Getting your oil changed at regular intervals is one of the first lessons in vehicle maintenance many of us receive when starting out behind the wheel. Though many of us are diligent in ensuring our vehicles get the oil they need, fewer people understand why it’s so important to keep your vehicle stocked with quality, clean oil.
Oil plays a vital role in your vehicle’s engine and powertrain overall. Engine oil keeps your engine from overheating from the friction it creates as its moving parts rub against each other. The oil acts as both a lubricant and a method to carry heat away from your engine. It also carries away dust and particulates that would otherwise clog your engine components.
As your oil heats up, it’s broken down, and over time, it loses its viscosity and turns into sludge. The thicker your oil, the less it can run through your engine and vehicle components, causing your engine to run hotter and eventually run dry. Without good oil, your engine will lose efficiency as it has to work harder to perform its job. Wait long enough, and your engine will damage itself from its own friction.
Long story short: Getting your Toyota’s oil changed is not something to be overlooked. But how often do you really need to change your oil?
Do I Need to Get an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles?
The age-old suggestion for how often you should get your oil changed is every 3,000 miles or every six months — whichever comes first. Though following this suggestion will help ensure your vehicle is never without good oil, in many cases, it’s more often than it needs to be.
This rule was created when vehicles were less efficient. These days, new models are designed to be as economical with their fuel as possible, which means you can often go longer than 3,000 miles before you get your oil changed. However, if you drive an older model or do a lot of driving, you may want to stick to the classic rule of thumb.
The best way to decide how often you should be changing your vehicle’s engine oil is by talking to a service center technician you trust. And that technician should be knowledgeable about your car’s make and model and capable of recommending the appropriate interval between your oil changes. At the very least, look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your car.
What Type of Oil Should I Be Using?
Engine oil comes in various styles. When deciding what type of engine oil to use, you should consider two aspects: your driving style and the cost. The most popular styles of engine oil are conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend oils.
Conventional oils are generally the least expensive. If your vehicle is fairly older and doesn’t have a very complex engine, you may save some money with traditional oil. You also want to consider how many miles you’re putting on your vehicle between oil changes. If you’re getting low to average miles, conventional oil might be acceptable. Otherwise, you may want to upgrade.
Synthetic oil is more expensive but generally better for your vehicle. This type of oil does a better job of keeping your engine clean. If you want to get peak performance from your vehicle, synthetic is the way to go. This style of engine oil is also more resistant to breakdown so that you may get more bang for your buck.
You might guess that synthetic blend engine oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oil. You can get a good mix of the benefits of both with this style. It’s less expensive than synthetic and an excellent option for people who drive daily.
Of course, the engine oil you choose is entirely up to your preferences. But certain vehicles may benefit from certain types of engine oils over others. Talk to your trusted technician to see what kind of engine oil would be best for your vehicle.
Get Your Oil Changed at Performance Toyota
Drivers in the Fairfield and greater Cincinnati, Ohio area can rely on a professional and courteous level of service from your team at Performance Toyota. Our focus on providing our customers with the best possible vehicle shopping and maintenance experiences has gained us a loyal following that brings drivers back year after year for their needs.
If you want to make your vehicle’s checkup even more convenient and stress-free, take a look at our valet service. Our valet service is available to everyone but free for Performance Toyota customers. Let us come and collect your vehicle to take it to Performance Toyota, where we’ll give it all the care it needs. When we’re done, we’ll bring it back to your location, ready for your next adventure.
When you’re ready to get your vehicle running up to its full potential again, schedule an oil change or general maintenance visit with our team at Performance Toyota in Fairfield, Ohio. As always, if you’re in the market for a new quality Toyota, Performance Toyota is ready to help you find your new favorite vehicle. Simply reach out to us with any questions you might have about your car-shopping experience or your current model to get the answers and help you need. Call us today at (513) 874-5535.