One of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep your car running smoothly and on the road longer is to change the oil regularly. Oil changes done at your Milex Complete Auto Care location are one of the most important things you can do for your car’s engine. It is also one of the simplest steps you can take to save yourself money in the long run.

Why change the oil?

The oil does a vital job. It keeps your engine clean and lubricates the parts. The oil absorbs all the dirt, dust and even water that is in your engine. All those things would otherwise cause parts to corrode. The oil can only hold so much, though. Once it is saturated with the dirt, the oil becomes thick and abrasive. That ends up causing more wear on your engine. Driving a car with dirty oil for too long would actually cause the engine to wear out and fail. Oils also have additives like detergents and rust fighters. Those simply get used up over time. If you have gone too long without changing your oil, you may start to hear knocking vibrations coming from your engine. Your car could become sluggish and have less power. Or you may see smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe. If you ignore those warning signs, your entire engine could eventually seize up.

How often is an oil change necessary?

Most owner’s manuals suggest changing the oil between every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. But you should talk to your Milex technician about your car and your driving conditions. There are some important factors that could require you to change the oil more frequently. Things to consider:

• Age of your car
• The kind of weather conditions in which you drive, including of snow
• The amount of stop-and-go traffic in which you travel
• Whether you drive on dusty or dirt roads
• Whether your route has hills or mountains

All of these are things that will contribute to needing the oil changed closer to every 3,000 miles.

Between oil changes

Every few hundred miles, you should be sure to check your oil level. You can add more if you notice that you are low. Needing to put oil in isn’t a sign of a problem. But if your car regularly runs low on oil, be sure to tell your Milex technician. He or she can then check to see if there is something wrong.

The most important part of preventative maintenance is also the easiest. Keeping up with your regular engine oil changes is as easy as visiting your local Milex Complete Auto Care location. Regular care every few months will keep your car on the road for years to come.