When people think of all the car maintenance they have to do, changing the oil is usually at the top of the list. It’s one of the quickest things to do and something that needs to be done often. If you don’t change your car’s oil when it’s needed, you risk seriously damaging your car, which is the last thing you want, especially if you have a long trip coming up soon.
Why Oil is a Vital Component of Your Car
Motor oil is a simple yet key component of your car. It serves a variety of functions within your engine to keep everything running smoothly. The primary function of engine oil, as most already know, is to lubricate the engine and keep all partds running without friction or potential damage. Other functions motor oil serves in your car’s engine include cooling parts as they run and helping your car run efficiently.
When you don’t stay on top of your oil changes, several things might start to happen to your car. If your motor oil level gets too low, your engine will not be properly lubricated while it’s running. The main problem that this will cause is an increase in friction while the engine is on, which can lead to damage to your engine in the long-term. If your motor oil isn’t clean, which happens over time, that buildup of sludge can clog the narrow oil pipes. This results in your engine not operating at peak efficiency.
How Do You Know Your Oil Needs to Be Changed?
There are several signs to look out for when it comes to knowing when your oil should be changed, some more obvious than others.
Check the Dashboard
The most obvious sign that you need to get the oil changed is when your car explicitly tells you so. In most new cars, they are programmed to alert you when it’s time to switch it out (ex. 5,000 miles since your oil was last changed). Additionally, check engine lights can be an indicator that there’s an issue with your oil, though you might want to head straight to a mechanic to get things checked out rather than just switching out the oil if your check engine light comes on.
The Oil is Dirty
Motor oil is supposed to be a light, amber color. As it runs through your engine over time, the oil will darken and become less efficient, so it’s a clear sign that you should switch it out. You can check the color of your oil by pulling the dipstick out of your engine. While your car is off and the engine has had time to cool down, pop the hood of your car and look for the tab marked “engine oil.” Usually, these are a brighter color and/or clearly marked, so you can check without being a skilled mechanic. If your oil is anything other than an amber color, it’s time to switch it out.
The Level is Low
If your engine doesn’t have enough oil in it, you’re just asking for things to break. Thankfully, this can also easily be checked with the dipstick in your engine. Make sure your car has been off long enough for the engine to cool down and that you’ve parked on a level surface. Remove the dipstick, and wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel. Then, reinsert the dipstick completely before removing once more. This will give you a clear idea of how much oil is in your engine. Most dipsticks have markers on them to give you an idea of what a full level is and when the level is too low.
Odd Engine Noises
If your engine is making noises that you don’t recognize, that’s always a cause for concern, and due to the purpose engine oil serves, it’s often caused or made worse by the lack of clean oil in your engine. Sounds such as grinding, knocking, or even your engine simply being louder than normal are a key sign that it’s time to switch out the motor oil.
It’s Been Awhile
The last sign that it’s time to get an oil change is that it’s been a while since you last got one, and this is the sign that most people miss. Motor oil breaks down over time, even if you barely drive your car. If you can’t remember the last time you had your oil changed, it’s probably time to get it done.
If you drive regularly, it’s recommended that you change your oil after you travel a certain number of miles. This amount depends on the type of motor oil in your engine, which we’ll touch on later in this article. If you get your oil changed by a professional, often they’ll put a sticker on your windshield telling you when your next change is due (or they’ll update your car’s computer to alert you when it’s time). If you change your oil yourself, mark down the date and mileage, so you know when it’s time to change it in the future.
Breaking Down the Different Types of Oil
When choosing the motor oil to put in your car, there are a variety of options on the market for you to consider. It’s important to note that when you’re shopping for oil for your car, you’ll encounter both motor oil and engine oil. There is no real functional difference between the two. The names are simply used interchangeably by manufacturers, but if you have concerns, talk to your local mechanic.
Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is what has been used in cars since cars were invented. It’s drilled directly from the ground and has been refined to run through your car’s engine smoothly. There are limited additives to protect against corrosion, sludge, and other things to protect your engine. Conventional motor oil is the least expensive type of oil, and you should expect it to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil is created in a lab and is considered to be the highest quality of motor oil that you can put in your car. It’s created with a wide variety of chemicals and additives combined to flow well through your engine and everything else motor oil is supposed to do for your car. Synthetic oil is more expensive than other motor oils, and you should plan to change it every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the brand.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blend motor oil is the perfect balance between conventional and synthetic oil. It has more additives than conventional motor oil but not as many as the completely synthetic creations. A blend is preferred by many because it gives them some of the benefits of completely synthetic oil without having to pay the high price that synthetic oil has. You can expect to change out your synthetic blend oil around every 7,500 miles.
High Mileage Motor Oil
High mileage motor oil is designed for older vehicles (75,000 miles old, on average). This type of oil is designed to limit leaks and extend the life of your engine. It can be made out of conventional, synthetic, or blended motor oil, so pay attention to what you’re purchasing.
Oil Grading
Along with the type of oil, you need to pay attention to the grade of oil you’re purchasing. Oil grades look something like 15W-40 . The W stands for winter, so 15W tells you how the oil flows during cold weather (the viscosity). If you live in a colder climate, a lower number is better. The second number tells you how thick the oil is at normal operating temperatures.
It’s important to note that some car manufacturers designed your car’s engine to function with a specific grade of oil in mind. If you don’t use it, your engine may not function as well as it could, and you may void any warranty you have. Check your car’s owner’s manual or the engine cap to see if there’s a recommended grade.
Which One Should You Choose?
There is no “right answer” across the board for which motor oil you should put in your car’s engine. It depends on what you want and how much you’re willing to spend. As with most things, higher price points mean higher quality. Synthetic motor oil is the best for your engine, so consider splurging on that if you’re putting a lot of stress on your engine (pickup trucks, dirt roads, etc.).
How to Change Your Oil at Home
An oil change is one of the quickest things you can do to maintain your car. If you take it to a mechanic, you’re often in and out in under thirty minutes (unless there’s a line). However, because it’s such a simple process, it’s also simple for you to do on your own. If you’re looking to save a buck or just don’t want to drive to a mechanic, you can easily change your car’s oil at home.
You’ll need the following items before you get started:
- Oil
- Oil filter
- A way to lift your vehicle (ex. a jack with ramps or stands)
- Funnel
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Something to drain the oil into
- Rags to clean up afterward
- Safety glasses and gloves for protection
Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface and has cooled enough since the last time it was on (usually an hour). The process of changing your car’s oil should take about an hour, though this varies depending on several factors, including your skill level.
Step 1: Set Everything Up
The first step is to lift the car, so you have plenty of space underneath to work. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t work under a car that is only held up by a jack. It’s incredibly unsafe to do so. Make sure your lifted car is secured with jack stands or a ramp, so you can complete your work safely. You’ll also need to pop your car’s hood and remove the plastic undertray from beneath your car to access everything you’ll need during this process.
Step 2: Drain the Oil
The next step is to drain out the old oil. Make sure to take the oil fill cap off (located on your engine and marked with an oil can) to improve airflow and help your oil drain faster. Place the container you’re draining the oil into beneath the oil plug. On average, cars hold at least a gallon of oil, so make sure the container is large enough.
When you remove the oil plug, the oil will start draining immediately (thank you, gravity), so loosen it with a wrench before twisting it off completely with your hands. It should take a few minutes for the oil to drain, so use that time to inspect the oil plug and make sure it’s still in great shape. Once the oil has drained completely, reattach the oil plug securely.
Step 3: Replace the Filter
Your car’s oil filter is located somewhere on your engine, so you’ll approach this from the hood rather than underneath the car. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location of the filter. Usually, you can unscrew the oil filter with your fingers, but if it’s too tight, you’ll need a wrench. A small amount of oil will come out when you remove the filter (even though you drained the oil already), so be aware.
Before you screw on the brand new filter, make sure the old filter didn’t leave anything behind. It’s not uncommon for the O-ring to remain when removing an old filter, and if you leave it there, the new filter won’t properly seal, leading to a multitude of problems.
Step 4: Add New Oil
Now it’s finally time to add the new oil. Lower your car back to the ground, and fill it up with your new motor oil. The funnel will come in handy here, though it’s not always needed. Your owner’s manual will let you know how much oil is supposed to go into your car. If you’re unsure if you’ve added enough, you can check with the dipstick and add more if needed.
When You Might Need a Professional’s Help
If it’s so easy to change your car’s oil at home, why would anyone pay someone else to do it? There are many reasons people pay someone else to change their oil, ranging from being uncomfortable working on their own car to simply not wanting to. You might consider having a mechanic change your oil when:
- You noticed oil leaking from somewhere beneath your car
- You don’t have all the tools needed to safely change the oil
- You have other work that needs to be done
- You don’t trust yourself to do it safely
These are all great reasons to get a professional involved, along with simply not wanting to change it yourself. But you must stay on top of your car’s oil changes. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car, and keeping it clean is key to giving your car a long life.