In a recent survey, researchers found that an estimated 77% of vehicles on the road were in need of maintenance or repairs. A great way to limit the amount of professional work your vehicle will need is to stay on top of your car’s own maintenance needs and, specifically, the oil.
Oil changes are extremely important for ensuring a vehicle is functioning properly and safely. Far too many people either ignore their vehicle’s oil levels, perform improper oil maintenance, or refrain from getting an oil change all together.
Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to taking care of your car’s oil:
Do:
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- Replace your oil filter — It’s important to change your oil filter after a while to ensure that no additional problems are occurring. When removing the filter, make sure the rubber gasket comes out with it and isn’t stuck to your engine.
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- Drain the engine — A good drain pan is key when changing oil so you don’t have spills all over the place. Keep in mind, however, that you should make sure you’re draining your engine and not the transmission.
- Inspect your engine and vehicle regularly — You need to regularly inspect your vehicle to ensure that everything is working correctly. If you notice any oil leaks, structural issues, or tire pressure problems, you need to have these issues addressed by professional auto services.
Don’t:
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- Ignore your owner’s manual — Knowing when to change your car’s oil depends on the vehicle’s manual. It’s essential for you to refer back to the manual and keep reading it so you can understand the ins and outs of your vehicle. Some newer vehicles will alert the driver when it’s time to take a look at your oil, but if you don’t know how to identify these alerts, you’ll miss that reminder.
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- Think to add oil replaces the need for oil changes — If your oil is low, pouring a can of oil in can help, but you can’t continue to do this and expect your vehicle to run properly. At some point, you need to have a professional oil change, otherwise, your vehicle might completely break down on the road one day.
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- Over tighten the filter or drain bolt — Over tightening any part of your vehicle’s engine can lead to some serious problems. If you’re unsure of how tight you should keep these items, talk to an auto professional.
If you’re in need of a new oil filter, power steering or glass repair, or just about any other form of auto service, give Grease Monkey Idaho a call today and get your vehicle back on the road.