Oil Change near Greensburg PA

How Often Do I Need an Oil Change?

Your maintenance schedule likely depends on what you drive. After all, a compact car, a minivan, a pickup, or an SUV are all very different vehicles. When it comes to oil, it also depends on what kind of oil your vehicle takes. Many used cars run on conventional oil. It’s derived from crude oil and contains some natural elements that can benefit your vehicle’s performance. If your ride takes conventional oil, you’ll probably need to get an oil change every six months or every 3,000 miles. Most new cars run on synthetic oil. It’s designed to last longer and operate under more extreme temperatures. Check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information. Generally, you’ll only need to get your oil changed every 7,500 miles to 10,000 miles or only once a year.

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Why Get an Oil Change?

Your vehicle has a lot of important fluids. Brake fluid helps you stop, transmission fluid lets you change gears, but oil might be the most important when it comes to your performance. Oil is essential for your engine to run properly. That’s because oil takes care of two very important jobs under the hood. First, it lubricates all the parts of your engine, so they can run smoothly. All that machinery can create a lot of heat, though. To prevent friction from building up between the parts, oil cools them down as well. However, oil wears down over time. Eventually, after enough time and miles, it transforms from a free-flowing, golden-brown liquid to a thick, black sludge. Once oil deteriorates like that, it’s not going to be able to cool or lubricate anything. That’s why, getting an oil change is such an important part of your maintenance schedule.