As car owners, one of the first things you learn in that your vehicle needs an oil change usually every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Even though we are often at the auto shop getting an oil change when needed, many may not understand the actual importance of an oil change and why it is need so often.
When you visit your local auto repair shop for your regular oil change, you are most likely getting your engine oil replaced, the system flushed out, and a new oil filter installed. The oil that is changed has a very important job - when your vehicle is running, the oil is circulated throughout the engine. The oil helps keep your vehicle’s engine lubricated, which keeps it from overheating as well as helping to avoid metal to metal contact between parts. While circulating, the oil also picks up debris and dirt which helps to keep the engine clean.
When the oil picks up dirt around the engine, it brings it back through the oil filter, which will catch all of that grime. Over time, the oil filter will become clogged up, and this is when a replacement is needed. It is also important to flush out the entire oil chamber to make sure it is clean for when the fresh oil is added.
Although it may seem like a simple service, it is extremely important to the overall health of your vehicle. Without clean oil, your engine is at risk for overheating, corrosion, and irreversible damage. This is why it is extremely important that you always stay on top of our vehicle’s recommended oil changes!