When, Where, How and Why to change your vehicle’s oil…

Oil’s ain’t oils was the famous slogan for that well-known oil company, and while it was catchy and memorable, there’s also a message in there for all vehicle owners to remember.

Oil wears out and you want to make sure that you have nice, clean oil in your vehicle.

As oil wears out it doesn’t work as effectively and can suffer from a build of contaminants that can damage your engine.

So, regular changes with good quality oil, at the viscosity rating for your engine/operating conditions (details here), is essential.

Our friends at the not-for-profit Car Care Council agree, reminding us all again that basic vehicle maintenance is an easy, inexpensive way to prolong the life of vehicles and avoid costly repairs.

They recommend the following why, when, where and how guide to oil:

Why

Motor oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine, preventing wear by keeping the engine clean, removing contaminants and regulating engine temperature to prevent overheating.

Neglecting to check and change your vehicle’s oil can lead to expensive repairs, including engine failure.

When

Check your vehicle owner’s manual; most will recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 8,000km.

However, other factors such as harsh weather conditions, driving in stop-and-go traffic or on dusty/dirt roads, towing a trailer, driving at high speeds and the age of your vehicle can all bring down this time interval.

Where

An oil change performed by a professional technician is a quick, low-cost vehicle service.

When taking your car in for maintenance or repairs, be sure that the shop employs certified technicians and is a member of the Motor Traders Association of Australia (MTAA).

How

If you like to do-it-yourself – check out the Car Care Council’s instructional video on how to change your vehicle’s oil…

Got any car maintenance tips you’d like to share? Leave a comment below or send us an email – [email protected].