Answering Common Oil Change Questions
Getting your oil changed every so often is just one of those things you tend to take for granted as a car owner. Everyone’s vaguely aware that something bad might happen if they don’t do it, but do you actually know what happens when you get your oil changed, or why it’s so important?
For those curious, we’re here to answer all of your burning questions about oil changes in Columbia, SC.
What Does Engine Oil Do, Anyway?
Motor oil is absolutely vital to engine functioning. If we think of a motor as a living body, then oil is sort of like the blood.
It serves a variety of functions, including:
- Lubrication: The main function of motor oil is to reduce friction between moving parts in the engine, thus reducing wear and tear.
- Temperature regulation: Engines generate an ungodly amount of heat, and oil cools things down, keeping things at a stable temperature to avoid overheating.
- Cleaning: Oil is specially formulated to remove dirt, corrosion, and other contaminants that build up inside the engine, preventing them from forming harmful deposits.
In addition to these major functions, oil works to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and act as a hydraulic fluid.
Why Does Oil Need to Be Changed?
Because oil id designed to collect and trap damaging particles that gather inside the engine, it slowly becomes dirtier and dirtier over time. The grimier it becomes, the less able it is to do its job of lubricating, cooling, and cleaning. If it’s not changed every so often, it can get so dirty that it causes the engine to seize, which is majorly bad news.
You can observe this yourself by checking your oil. New motor oil is a golden-amber color, whereas old, used up oil takes on a blackish-brown hue and a tarry consistency.
How Do I Check My Oil?
In most cars, the first step in checking the oil is to pull the dipstick out and clean it with a rag. Then, put it back into the reservoir, and pull it back out again. Check the color and consistency to make sure it isn’t too dark or thick. You can also check the oil level by making sure the fluid mark is between the two notches at the end of the dipstick.
When checking your oil, it’s important to do so when the engine is cool, so make sure the car has been turned off for at least 15 minutes or so.
What Happens During an Oil Change?
If you were to walk into our service center near Dentsville and ask for an oil change, the first thing our technicians would do is check the oil to get a read on the oil quality and level.
If the car does indeed need an oil change, the next step is to drain the oil. This is done by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. Doing this allows the old oil to flow out into a receptacle for disposal.
After it’s all drained out, the drain plug is put back where it goes and the old oil filter is replaced with a new one. Then, new oil is added into the oil filler cap under the hood. Part of the art of an oil change is getting the amount of oil exactly right—too little or too much will be detrimental to the engine.
Finally, the oil level is checked again for good measure. After that’s done, we have another successful oil change.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
The frequency of oil changes depends on the type of oil used and the vehicle itself.
It used to be that oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles, but this is no longer the case for most vehicles. The conventional range usually falls between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, but some types of oil allow cars to go even further.
When in doubt, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual and defer to a technician’s expertise. When oil is professionally changed, the tech will place a sticker that tells the date of the change and the recommended mileage when the next change is due.
Does the Oil Filter Have to Be Changed Every Time?
Absolutely.
Oil filters play a crucial role: They trap all the debris that builds up inside the engine. Dirt, grime, and tiny metal particles all collect in the filter over time, and this keeps the oil cleaner for longer. The filter also regulates the flow of oil to a certain extent.
If you change the oil but don’t change the filter, you run the risk of a clogged oil filter, which pretty much defeats the purpose of getting the oil changed in the first place. This is why it’s recommended to swap out the filter during every oil change.
What Are the Different Types of Motor Oil?
There are four common types of engine oil used in passenger vehicles:
- Conventional oil: The most basic formulation, and the most like old school motor oils. This type is good for moderate drivers and older models with simpler engines, and is often the cheapest option.
- Full synthetic oil: Chemically engineered oil with fewer impurities. This is widely considered the cream of the crop because its properties allow it to perform well in a wide range of temperatures and circumstances. It’s typically on the more expensive side, but it can also last much longer, which may allow for more time between oil changes.
- Synthetic blend oil: Being a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils, it has properties of both. It’s a solid middle ground for people who want decently long-lasting oil with good performance, but don’t want to pay top dollar.
- High mileage oil: This variety is formulated for older cars with more than 75,000 miles. It has multiple additives that can aid aging engines and allow them to last longer.
Which Type of Oil Does My Car Need?
When determining what kind of oil your car needs, the best practice is to check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations. If possible, it’s recommended you stick with these. If you go to a certified service center for your oil changes, they’ll already have the exact kind that’s listed in the manual, which takes the guesswork out of it.
What Are Oil Additives?
Engine oil additives are chemicals that can be mixed with the oil for a variety of intended effects. Some additives are available aftermarket at auto parts stores, but many additives are already pre-mixed into different brands of oil—in fact, pretty much all commercially available oil contains at least a few additives. Even conventional oil contains some synthetic compounds.
There are a variety of different of additives available on the market, and they’re all formulated to do different things. Here are some of the major ones:
- Detergents: Neutralizes acids in the oil and helps keep the engine free of deposit buildup.
- Dispersants: Keeps foreign particles evenly distributed, which prevents them from gathering and collecting inside the engine.
- Antioxidants: Prevents oil oxidation and prolong the oil’s lifespan.
- Rust inhibitors: Removes rust from inside the engine and forms a protective later that stops more rust from forming.
- Anti-wear agents: Binds to the metal surfaces inside the engine and reduces the amount of friction, thus protecting the internal engine components.
- Friction modifiers: Lowers the friction between moving parts, reducing wear and improving fuel economy.
- Viscosity index improvers: Modifies the viscosity index of the oil, improving flow, especially at lower temperatures.
If you plan to use an aftermarket oil additive, it’s important to speak with a certified service technician about it first. Using too much or the wrong kind of additive can be ruinous to engine health.
What is an Oil Extractor?
Recently, more and more shops and at-home mechanics are performing oil changes by extracting it instead of the classic drain method. The process involves using a type of vacuum pump to suck the oil out through the dipstick or refill tube.
There are pros and cons to both methods. Using an oil extractor is much less messy, and it’s often quicker and easier because there’s no need to lift the car up. However, many oil extractor pumps require the use of an air compressor, and it can also be more difficult to get all the old oil out.
How Should You Dispose of Old Oil?
Whether you live close to our service center near Blythewood, SC, or you live on the other side of the country, it’s highly illegal to dispose of oil improperly. Used motor oil is highly toxic to both people and the environment, and dumping it down the drain can potentially affect hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. So, local governments have strict guidelines for how oil should be disposed of.
Used oil is often sent off for recycling. It can sometimes be re-refined into new oil, or be repurposed for other uses in the petroleum industry.
If you’re disposing of oil at home, old oil and oil filters should be kept in a proper container and taken to an appropriate place, such as a collection facility. Many auto parts stores also accept oil waste for recycling.
Can I Change My Own Oil?
Many car owners decide to change their own oil in order to save money. With some practice, it can be done relatively quickly and easily. However, it does take some effort, and requires you to have the proper equipment to drain or extract the old oil.
The alternative? You can come to our certified service center in Columbia, SC and let us handle it. We offer oil changes with a four-tire rotation and multi-point inspection to make sure your ride is tip-top, and we also have monthly service specials that can save you money on your next oil change. Schedule service with us online, or give us a call at (803) 462-4476 to make an appointment today.
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