Whether you just passed your driver’s license test or you have been driving every day for decades, you probably know that getting a regular oil change is a crucial part of being a responsible driver and car owner. Still, many people do not change their oil as often as they should, either because they don’t know they need to or because they think it’s no big deal to put it off.
As an auto shop that many people trust for a great oil change in Basalt, CO, we consider ourselves experts on all the whys and what ifs related to oil changes. With that in mind, here is a quick overview that should help you understand when and why you need an oil change in Basalt, CO.
Understanding the need
Before you can understand how often you need to change your car’s oil, you need to understand the crucial role oil plays in keeping your car safe and in good condition. Think of your car like a body—your body needs lots of liquids to keep operating, and when you are dehydrated, it becomes more and more difficult to function. If you keep going without water, your organs might even start to shut down.
For a car, oil serves as a necessary lubricant to keep all the different parts from wearing, tearing and eventually breaking. When this oil becomes too dirty or depleted, it becomes less and less effective at keeping your engine well lubricated. Eventually, a lack of clean oil will probably cause your engine to break down.
In short, regular oil changes are like making sure you get your eight glasses of water per day—you need them to keep your car’s engine healthy and free of damage.
Knowing how often
As a general rule, most cars need to have their oil changed every 3,000 miles. This being said, there are several factors that could cause your car to need oil changes outside of the typical schedule.
Let’s start with the factors that could require more frequent oil changes. The two major factors at play here are driving in extreme hot or cold weather and taking frequent trips that are fewer than four miles in length. So, if your regular commute is only a few miles, or if you have been driving a lot in extreme temperatures, you might want to be on the safe side and get your oil changed early and often.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have new enhanced engine technology, as well as the use of synthetic oil, both of which necessitate less frequent oil changes. That being said, it is always better to change your oil more often than necessary, as opposed to the alternative.
Trust a professional
If you are still unsure of how often you need an oil change, you can check your car’s owner’s manual for more information—or you can just trust the folks at Basalt Quick Lube, Tire & Alignment, your source for a quick, affordable and convenient oil change in Basalt, CO. We look forward to welcoming you to our shop for your vehicle’s next oil change.