The engine relies on motor oil to function. The oil lubricates the engine, but it also picks up debris and traps some of the heat the engine makes. In this way, it serves as a lubricant, coolant, and cleaner. As it picks up gunk produced by fuel combustion, it becomes less effective at all three of its tasks. When this happens, it means you need an oil change.
How Many Miles Between Oil Changes?
Every car is different, so you should consult your own car’s user manual to see how often it needs an oil change. If it’s a modern car, it likely has a service light. Your manual can also tell you what this light looks like if you are not sure. The service light comes on when you drive the recommended miles between oil changes and can be reset when you change the oil. More advanced cars have a monitoring system that dynamically adjusts the service light interval based on how you drive. Your manual may also give you pointers on how to drive with the least stress to your car.
What Type of Oil to Use?
You should check your owner’s manual to find the oil weight. Moreover, the manual should tell you how much oil to replace it with. Some cars also have this bit of information printed on the engine’s oil cap.
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When and How to Check the Oil
Your owner manual might tell you the manufacturer’s suggestions for how often to check the oil. A good rule of thumb is to check it at least once a month. To make it easy to remember, you could check it every time you fill up on gas.
To check your oil manually, first, you need to pop your hood. Remove the dipstick from the engine and then wipe it down. Once it is cleaned, insert the dipstick back into its original spot. Remove it again and check its oil level. Each dipstick should have a minimum and maximum fill line. If the oil is below this, you might have a leak. You will want to top off your oil and keep an eye on it, so it is good to have oil in your trunk for this situation.
If you need an oil change, schedule yourself for service at Honda North in Butler, Pennsylvania. Our on-site service center has experience taking care of engines. They can change your oil and fix anything from leaks to worn bearings.
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