Are You Changing Your Engine Oil Too Much or Not Enough?

In the past, the automobile industry taught us to change the oil in our engine every three months or 3,000 miles Engines at the time were simpler and oil was not of the same quality as modern oils. The invention of fuel injection extended the life of both the oil and your car engines and the oil we use have improved greatly over time. While “three months and 3,000 miles” is still good rule of thumb for vehicles prior to 2000, many modern vehicles can go five months or 5,000 miles before changing the oil.

In more recent years, car manufacturers have pushed for maintenance-free a vehicle, which has also led to a drop in the length of the warranty. Typically, a newer car is only covered for the first 3-5 years of vehicle ownership. Since the manufacturer is now taking on more of the financial cost themselves, the need for maintenance has become greatly underestimated – and this is especially true with oil changes.

Once these negative consequences became clear, manufacturers had to back pedal. It was time to go back to more regular oil changes instead of extended intervals that were not up to the standards of a great car ownership experience.

The age of the vehicle, mileage, leaks, consumption and combustion will all factor into how often you should have your oil changed – and a technician who knows you and your driving habits well might also make different recommendations.

Does your vehicle consume oil? Are there existing failing patterns from a lack of regular oil changes? Does it have oil leaks and to what extent? The experienced technicians at Tri-City Auto Repair will be able to help prescribe the correct amount of maintenance for your car. Another benefit of oil changes is that it gives you and your shop some time to look for other possible car problems before they become expensive repairs.

How We Handle Oil Changes it at Tri-City Auto Repair

Our recommendation at Tri-City is to have your oil changed every 5,000 miles or once a year. If you drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year, we ask that you have a qualified technician check under the hood -- even if the oil has not been changed. We strive to have your vehicle running at full its full potential with a clean bill of health. We love getting to know you and your vehicle so we can make informed recommendations for your specific needs.

What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Vehicle?

With the introduction of snake oil, it’s easy to believe that everyone has a magic potion. However, there are three basic choices when it comes to choosing the best oil for your car or truck:

• Conventional oil: This oil has been sufficient for years, yet it does offer the lowest level of engine protection. Conventional oils have become better over time as the requirements of the engine have become more demanding. On some newer vehicles, conventional oil may not be enough to protect all your vehicle’s moving parts -- and you run the risk of voiding your engine’s warranty by not using full synthetic product. If oil with an incorrect viscosity (the thickness consistency) is used, it could also void that warranty.
• Synthetic Blend: This offers slightly more protection than conventional oil. The term “synthetic blend” is not regulated and is extremely subjective, so it can be misleading at times. If you add a drop of synthetic to conventional oil, you now have a synthetic blend, so it can vary significantly between different oil manufacturers and does not necessarily meet a set standard. Like conventional oil, it may not necessarily meet the criteria intended by the automotive manufacturer.
• Full Synthetic: Although slightly more expensive, full synthetic oil offers the highest level of protection. Unlike synthetic blends, there is a standard that brands oil “full synthetic” or not. Under a microscope, some full synthetics are great oils while others just barely make the cut.  Full synthetic oils are at least somewhat regulated, and again provide the paramount protection for your vehicle.

Oil Changes at Tri-City Auto Repair

Our basic oil change includes a synthetic blend, unless the manufacturer specifies a full synthetic. These blends are what the majority of chains and box stores advertise to you. Our shop has not used conventional oil in years.

The technicians at Tri-City Auto Repair choose full synthetic oil for our own personal vehicles. It’s like eating home-made food with real ingredients vs fried food. Fried food may fill your stomach, but you may not feel as good -- and avoidable trips to the doctor could be the result.

Includes:

• Professional Grade Oil Filter
• Up to Five Quarts Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
• Chassis Lubrication
• Radiator & Coolant Check
• All Fluid Level Checks
• Belt and Hose Checks
• Suspension Checks
• Tire Safety Check (add air as needed)
• Battery & Alternator Check
• Waste Disposal Fee Included
• Misc Shop Supplies Included

Also Includes Other Inspections:

• 3 Mile Road Test
• Battery Test
• Computer Scan
• Tire Rotation
• Brake Check
• Check & Top off All Fluids
• Light Bulb Check
• Filter Inspections (Engine Air & Cabin Filters)
• Tire Safety Inspection, Adding Air As Needed

Excludes Specialty Viscosities
Add: $3.50 per Quart for Oil Over 5 Qts

Includes:

• Professional Grade Oil Filter
• Up to Five Quarts Full Synthetic Motor Oil
• Chassis Lubrication
• Waste Disposal Fee Included

Also Includes Other Inspections:

• 3 Mile Road Test
• Battery Test
• Computer Scan
• Tire Rotation
• Brake Check
• Check & Top off All Fluids
• Light Bulb Check
• Filter Inspections (Engine Air & Cabin Filters)
• Tire Safety Inspection, Adding Air As Needed

Excludes Specialty Viscosities
Add: $4.50 per Quart for Oil Over 5 Qts