Oil Change in Rochester

Get Cleaned Every 5,000 or 10,000 Miles

Every engine requires oil to ensure all its moving components work together without issue. However, as time goes on, oil breaks down and loses its viscosity, which ultimately renders it ineffective at protecting and lubricating the various parts of the engine. This is why it's so important that you get oil changes at regular intervals.

You should change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to keep your car’s engine running smoothly, which can help prevent expensive problems from arising later down the road. When to change your oil will depend on the vehicle’s specific make and model. Are you unsure about the mileage interval for your vehicle? If so, check your owner’s manual or ask our friendly and knowledgeable team for the details.

Changing your oil every six months can also be a good rule of thumb to go by. You might think that not driving very far will make your engine oil last longer. However, condensation can build up in the engine if you are not driving often enough. If you do drive regularly but only for short distances, the oil will not get hot enough to make the accumulating condensation evaporate, and oil exposed to moisture will degrade about as much as if you were running the engine hard for 5,000 miles. This is why we recommend that everyone get their engine oil changed at least every six months, even if they do not drive very often.

Our team knows a lot about oil changes and when you should get yours done. They will change your oil for you as well as complete a comprehensive inspection of your automobile so that you know everything is in good shape. Staying on time with your oil changes can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine and keep it as fuel-efficient as possible. An oil change is a minor expense compared to the major ones you might encounter if you put off getting your oil changed.

What’s the Importance of Oil?

Now that you know there's a need for oil changes between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, it is high time that we delve even deeper into why oil is essential to your vehicle. What you need to be aware of is that there are many moving parts inside your engine that create friction and heat as they work, and engine oil plays some major roles in optimizing your car’s longevity and performance.

You might think synthetic oil will last for a really long time, and while it lasts a lot longer than traditional engine oil, it will still lose its lubricating properties through degradation over time. In times gone by, winter and summer oil used to be made to keep with climate temperatures, and you would have to change them out on a seasonal basis. When synthetic oil was introduced, things changed so that engine oil would function the same way, winter or summer—but it still needs regular changing.

First and foremost, your engine’s moving bits need lubrication and coating. This prevents wear and tear over time and lessens the amount of friction that occurs. Keeping your engine efficient and functional for the long haul depends highly on proper lubrication.

Secondly, you need engine oil to help with cooling. Oil assists in dispelling the heat that is generated when the engine is in use, which prevents the engine from overheating. Engine damage can be negated by this cooling effect.

Not only does engine oil cool an engine, but it also keeps the engine clean. Oil carries contaminants, dirt, and debris out of the engine; this keeps it free of sludge buildup. Should sludge build up in the engine, it could cause serious problems.

Clean oil is needed for sealing purposes, too. Your oil creates a seal between the engine’s cylinders and pistons, which prevents harmful combustion byproducts from getting out and wreaking havoc on the engine.

Corrosion can happen if oil isn’t regularly changed, and oil contains protective additives that keep rust and corrosion at bay. This ensures that the engine stays in prime condition and running as it should for a long time to come.

Keeping your vehicle lubricated properly is essential and proves that you are investing in the long-term performance and overall health of your automobile.

Symptoms That Something's Not Right

Sure, regular oil changes are imperative, and you have a general idea of when you should get one. But how else might you know it's time to change your oil? There are some common warning signs that your car will give you when something is wrong with the engine oil. Knowing these symptoms is important since they can help you identify and address these issues before they become much more serious—and expensive—problems.

What are those common warning signs, you ask? The most obvious indication is that the "check oil" light will appear on your dashboard; this will tell you that your oil pressure is low. Your oil level could be too low, or the oil could simply be too old and dirty. You should not ignore this indicator. Get it addressed immediately by bringing it to us for an oil change.

Is something starting to smell odd? Are you noticing a burnt odor coming from under the hood when the car is running? This could be a sign that your engine oil is well past due for a change. Old and dirty oil cannot effectively guard your engine and could eventually result in engine damage or overheating, so keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge.

Another thing you might notice as time goes by is that your engine experiences a decrease in performance. Power and acceleration might lessen, and that can be linked to oil of low quality. Clean, fresh oil aids your engine in operating at its peak.

Is your engine overheating? This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Inadequate lubrication and cooling from engine oil can lead to overheating, so if your engine temperature gauge quickly spikes, immediately pull over and give us a call to get help.

Abnormal engine noises can result from insufficient engine oil lubrication, too. You might hear tapping, knocking, or grinding sounds coming from under the hood when the engine is running. You will want to address any of these noises quickly to prevent further damage to the engine.

If any of these warning signs occur, don't hesitate to reach out with your concerns. If you ignore these warning signs, it could lead to more expensive repairs down the road that will ultimately take a lot longer to do. Our highly skilled technicians can diagnose the issues happening with your engine and recommend the needed oil change and any repairs.

Remember, you should check your engine oil level at least once per month. Never assume that a new vehicle does not need its oil level checked, as even a newer auto can need oil to be topped off while in between changes. You will also want to be mindful of the engine oil you use to top it off. Check the owner’s manual to be sure that you are putting the proper oil into your vehicle; newer vehicles usually have the weight of the engine oil printed on the oil cap, so you can check there as well.

Don't Hesitate, Get Your Oil Changed Today