OIL-CAP-CLOSE-UP

55345319 – closeup engine oil cap in engine room

Like your health, there are no shortcuts to keeping your car running smoothly. Nothing beats a regular schedule of oil changes and vehicle check-ups. Smart vehicle maintenance includes regular checkups that are part of routine oil changes. Changing the oil every 5,000 miles or per vehicle manufacturer recommendations is key to keeping the vehicle in tip-top shape. An automotive repair professional can recommend the ideal oil based on a vehicle’s age, mileage and typical usage.

“Every vehicle is unique, but routine maintenance like oil changes are a basic element of good performance,” says Carl Scavotto, Automotive Repair Training Manager for Meineke Car Care Centers. “Vehicle manufacturers set standards for oil changes based on extensive vehicle testing, so these should always be followed, no matter what type of oil is used.”

Oil has three important jobs that it does for the engine, Scavotto notes.

“It lubricates, it keeps the moving parts cool, and most of all it has the capability of suspending dirt taken in by the engine which will be removed when the oil is changed. Some of the dirt is taken out by the oil filter, which is typically replaced during a routine oil change,” he adds. “If a car runs for long periods of time and mileage, the filter will become clogged and the oil will no longer be able to suspend the dirt. Sludge will start to form on engine parts, which reduces engine efficiency and performance and can eventually cause engine damage.”

The regular oil change is also an opportunity for the automotive professional to identify other potential repairs or maintenance needs and address them before a breakdown occurs. If left for an extended period of time without service, minor maintenance needs can turn into expensive vehicle repairs.

Source: Meineke Car Care Centers

Article by Michele Norton
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