What Is an Oil Change? 

An oil change is simply the removal of old, dirty engine oil that is replaced with new, clean engine oil. As part of this process, the engine in your vehicle is also cleaned from top to bottom, which includes the removal of grime and any buildup. This ensures that your oil stays cleaner for a longer period. 
In almost all vehicles these days, synthetic oil is used for oil changes. This is because synthetic oil is chemically compounded to offer greater protection all around, whereas conventional oil isn’t altered and is more natural, offering less protection. 

When Should I Have My Oil Changed? 

The answer to this question is different for every driver. It depends on the type of car you drive, how far you drive every day, how often you drive, and more. A general rule of thumb, however, is that newer cars require oil changes anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. If you drive an older car, you may need your oil changed every 3,000 miles or thereabouts. 

The best way to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance is to consult your maintenance schedule and your owner’s manual. If you have any additional questions about this, you can consult with one of our technicians. 

Signs I Need an Oil Change

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to figure out when it’s time to bring your car in for an oil change. Newer cars can alert you that an oil change is needed by way of an alert that’ll pop up on the infotainment screen or the digital instrument cluster. Other signs an oil change may be needed include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Shaking while idling
• Loud banging sound (think metal hitting metal)
• The visible exhaust coming from the tailpipe (newer cars don’t emit visible exhaust, so if you see this, that’s a big sign that your oil must be changed)