Why to Have A Reliable Auto Repair Shop Change Your Oil
Posted January 6, 2012
Engine oil is one of the most important fluids in your car. But sometimes, having the oil changed at your reliable Vadnais Heights auto repair every 5,000 miles can seem a bit excessive. We realize that oil changes can creep up on you—and though it may feel like 5,000 miles isn’t a long enough interval, not changing your oil can cause irreversible damage to your engine, costing you big bucks!
So, why must we change our oil so frequently?
Your oil does a lot of work in your engine—and by having clean, fresh oil in your car’s system, you will prolong the life of your car.
Your engine is the most complex component of your vehicle, with dozens and dozens of moving parts all working simultaneously to operate your vehicle. It’s the oil’s job to be a lubricant, reducing heat and friction in these metal parts that operate your engine. When your oil level decreases, more of these pieces are rubbing together without the protective barrier engine oil provides. This may cause the metal in your engine to warp due to excessive heat.
There are two main reasons why you should change your oil every 5,000 miles. The first is because of leaks. The engine contains complex filters full of tubes and ducts, and over time these seals begin to break down. If this has happens to your vehicle, you’ll notice oil stains on your garage floor or driveway.
The second reason is because your oil breaks down over time. At its most basic level, engine oil can only be heated and reused so many times before it begins to break down. And if you wait too long to change it, the oil in your engine will become a thick sludge. Trust us, you don’t want that stuff working around your engine. This means the protection your oil once provided has been significantly lowered.
The only way to prevent an expensive and frustrating engine replacement is to have your oil changed every 5,000 miles by an ASE-Certified tech at your local White Bear Lake auto repair. Trust us, it’s worth it to trade an inexpensive, 30-minute oil change with a week-long, $4,000 engine replacement!