It’s
there dominating the “to do” list and procrastinating only makes it worse. It’s
the car’s oil change. Was that reminder sticker on the windshield purposely put
there to make you feel bad? Let’s try a different approach, looking at all the
good things that happen when the oil and filter in your car are changed.
First
lets assume your car is one that is driven a minimum number of miles and seldom
reaches the 3,500 miles in three months’ time. Your vehicle needs the oil
change more than cars that are driven more often. In the short trip mode the
engine heat ups and then cools down for long periods creating condensation. The
moisture can be seen accumulating on the oil fill cap in the form of a gray oily
globular mess. Sometimes this condition can be misdiagnosed as an internal
engine problem. You probably can drop back to an oil change three times a year
or the minimum time interval prescribed in your owner’s manual. For normal
usage, some people think
cars can last 10,000 miles on their oil, others say not even half that. A nice
general rule is every four to six months, or somewhere around 5,000 miles,
especially if you are using synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils.
Secondly,
oil breaks down over time and extended usage and it picks up dirt and
contaminants, and these can deposit in your oil pan as a thick, gooey sludge
which can eventually clog the pickup screen for the oil pump. If this occurs,
it can cause oil starvation to the engine and cause a premature engine failure
at worst, or at least the expensive cost of removing the oil pan to clean out
the pan and the oil pickup.
Also, if your car has a turbocharger or a supercharger, regular oil
changes are even more important. Remember the turbo is spinning at 100,000s of
rpm. It also runs really hot so any oil
in the turbo when the engine is switched off will degrade unless it is in good
condition. This also shows the importance of allowing the engine to cool down a
little before shutting down after a spirited run.
Next,
don’t underestimate the value of having a trained individual under the hood of
your car. They will be able to spot a number of trouble situations that, if
left untreated, have the potential to cause a breakdown. They should be looking
for fluid leakage, cracked or frayed belts, bulging hoses and safety items
including torn wiper blades, burned out lights, and unsafe tires. The success
of this approach only works if you have found a shop that distinguishes true
customer need from sales effort.
The
regular oil change also establishes a benchmark of when your car’s maintenance
needs are to be met. For instance, every third oil change can be the point at
which the tires need to be rotated. Also, your recognition of what fluids had
to be added may serve as the first warning sign that one of the systems is
leaking. The need to repeatedly add coolant may indicate a leaking water pump,
for example.
The
underside of your car is rarely seen. The oil change provides the technician a
chance to easily look for undercar problems. These would include torn CV boots,
broken exhaust parts, or problems with the transmission or differential.
Anything that’s broken, loose or excessively worn is in clear sight. This idea
of the lube tech or service facility disclosing legitimate problems only works
to your advantage if you’re in the hands of a reputable shop.
Your
car’s oil change may be something you don’t look forward to and hate to take
the time to get done. However, there isn’t a car maintenance procedure that is
more beneficial to your car when it’s done by a service facility you trust.
Just remember, your vehicle is likely
the second most costly investment you will make in your life besides your home.
If your sink is leaking or your furnace is due for service, are you going to
ignore it? When water comes through your ceiling after a hard storm and you
have a large wet spot on your ceiling, are you going to say, well, maybe next
month I can get to it? I don’t think so! Treat your car the way you would your
home and it will most likely give you years of good service.
