Oil Change
To protect your engine, we give professional services as well as expert advice about how frequent you should change your oil and what type of oil and oil-filter is most suitable for your vehicle.
Our services are very efficient and pocket-friendly. We have on ground well-trained auto mechanics that thoroughly inspect your vehicle and suggest the exact synthetic oil suited for your vehicle.
The importance of regular oil changes
Motor oil is vital to the health and longevity of your vehicle's engine. Oil lubricates the metal engine components to reduce friction and wear. It cools the engine system down and keeps it from overheating during operation. Fresh oil is important as it cleanses and removes carbon and varnish that could otherwise damage the engine.
How often to get an oil change
The recommended oil change interval will depend on the age and model of your vehicle, as well as what type of oil you are using. Older cars and those using conventional oil will require more frequent oil changes than newer vehicles using synthetic or synthetic blend oils.
Oil change frequency recommendations are included in your vehicle owner's manual. Expect to find guidance for both distance and timed oil change intervals. Owners who put more kilometres on their vehicles may reach the next distance-based oil change interval recommendation before the time interval. On the other hand, if a vehicle is not used frequently or if it is only driven short distances, the oil change time interval may expire before the distance-based one does. Keep track of both the distance and time since your last oil change, then schedule your next oil change for whichever interval expires first.
In general, expect to change your oil every 8,046 to 12,070 kilometres (5,000 to 7,500 miles) if you have a newer vehicle. Older vehicles using conventional oil often recommend an oil change every 4,828 kilometres (3,000 miles). Timed oil change recommendations typically fall between the six month and one year mark since oil degrades over time whether the vehicle is in operation or not.
Conditions that affect regular oil change frequency
Driving patterns and conditions matter when it comes to oil change frequency. Oil change recommendations are usually based on standard driving conditions. Your vehicle owner's manual may also have a separate set of recommendations for severe driving conditions.
While severe driving conditions include operation during both hot and cold temperature extremes, a driving pattern that includes lots of stop-and-go traffic and short trips of twenty minutes or less also qualifies as extreme. These trips are harder on your vehicle because the engine does not get up to temperature and remove the accumulated condensation that speeds up oil breakdown.
How to tell if your vehicle needs an oil change
In addition to the owner's manual distance and time recommendations, there are other ways to tell if your vehicle is due for an oil change. Many newer vehicles have built-in oil life monitoring systems that illuminate a dash light when the system sensors and a programmed oil change algorithm recognize the need for new oil.
It is also a good habit to physically check your vehicle's oil level and condition yourself in between oil changes. Use your dipstick to inspect the oil. Note whether the level is within the optimal range or if it is low. Also, check the colour and opacity. Fresh oil is amber or light brown and easy to see through. As oil ages, the colour darkens, and it becomes less transparent. If your oil is a dark brown or black colour and you cannot see through it, it is time to schedule an oil change appointment. It is also important to check your oil dipstick for the presence of any metal shavings or other particles, as this could indicate problems that need to be addressed quickly to protect your engine.
Make it a habit to pay attention to your oil temperature gauge and know your vehicle's expected operational temperature range. If the temperature starts to increase beyond normal, that means that friction is building up in the engine due to poor lubrication, and you need to get your oil checked.
Listen to your vehicle and train yourself to recognize new sounds that could indicate a problem. Grinding metal on metal sounds can indicate brake problems. However, if they are coming from the engine, they could be signalling dangerously low oil levels and the potential for serious damage.
Finally, notice any fluid leaks by glancing at the ground below your vehicle as you approach it. Oil leaks will have a distinct oily sheen on top of the fluid and are easily recognizable. If you discover an oil leak, address it promptly rather than waiting until your next scheduled oil change.
How long it takes for an oil change
The average full-service oil change can be completed within thirty to forty-five minutes. Your oil change duration will depend in part on your vehicle's size, make and model, interval since the last oil change, and inclusion of other services like a lube or fluid and tire-pressure check. Larger vehicles take more oil, which increases the length of time needed, and access can be more challenging on certain makes and models.
A thorough oil change service with a local mechanic is different from that of a quick drive through oil change with a large chain store or big-box retailer. Mechanics are trained and experienced with all aspects of your vehicle, not just those related to an oil change. Their familiarity means that they can catch other potential problems and advise you of them before they require a more expensive fix.
Types of motor oil used for oil changes
Not all motor oil is identical. Depending on your vehicle, you will be using one of four different oil varieties. Each is formulated for specific types of vehicles and conditions. When choosing the right type of motor oil, check your manufacturer's recommendation or owner's for guidelines on various operating conditions. Lower viscosity oils thicken less in the cold than high viscosity oils do, whereas higher viscosity oils are needed to resist over-thinning in hot climates.
Conventional motor oil
Conventional motor oil is manufactured from refined crude oil. It is the standard baseline oil commonly used in older vehicles with simple engine designs that are driven in normal, not severe, conditions. Conventional oil comes in a range of qualities and viscosity grades, and it is the least expensive of the four oil types. Expect to change conventional motor oil more frequently than you would other types of oil.
Synthetic motor oil
Synthetic motor oil is a chemically manufactured compound that is virtually free of impurities. It contains specially formulated additives designed to improve performance and maximize engine protection. Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional motor oil. However, it typically lasts longer and performs better in both extreme heat and extreme cold.
Synthetic blend motor oil
As the name suggests, synthetic blend motor oil is a mixture of both conventional and synthetic motor oils. The incorporation of synthetic oil improves performance compared to straight conventional oil, and the price for a blend is lower than that of straight synthetic oil.
High-mileage motor oil
Once vehicles have over 120,700 kilometres (75,000 miles) on them, they can benefit from the use of high-mileage motor oil. This type of oil is specially formulated with anti-wear additives and ingredients that guard against leaks and oil burn-off. High-mileage motor oil is available in conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend formulations.