Getting your oil changed is arguably the most common car maintenance service that people routinely get. But do you really know how frequently you need your oil changed based on your car’s make and model? And do you know what kind of oil you should put in your car or truck?
If you are due for an oil change, come by our locally owned and operated service center in West Chester, PA and Exton, PA. We will help keep your car running smoothly with routine oil changes and provide a courtesy check during the process.
At our service centers, we use only high-quality motor oils and filters to ensure optimal performance and longevity for your engine. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and convenient scheduling options to make your visit as stress-free as possible.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of oil changes and discover when you should get your next oil change service.
Why Do Oil Changes Matter?
Your car’s engine oil is responsible for a lot of functions. It lubricates, cools, cleans, and protects the engine from wear and tear by creating a thin film between the moving parts of the engine.
Over time, however, the protective qualities of engine oil diminish, and it becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and other impurities. This can lead to reduced engine performance, increased wear and tear, and ultimately, engine failure. That is why regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your engine’s performance and reliability.
When you bring your car in for an oil change, the old oil is drained from the engine, and new, clean oil is added. In addition, the oil filter is also replaced, which helps to remove any impurities that may have accumulated in the oil over time. By changing the oil regularly, you can help to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently, which can help to extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs down the road.
So, When Should You Change Your Engine Oil?
The answer to this question is that it can really depend! Things like your vehicle’s make and model, how you drive, and the type of oil you use all have an impact on how frequently you should get your oil changed.
Many people still follow the conventional wisdom of changing oil every 3,000 miles. However, engines have become more efficient and oil has been developed into new formulations which allow for longer intervals between oil changes for most vehicles.
In recent years, automakers have begun recommending oil changes at 5,000 miles or even 7,500 miles for some models. To know the best interval for your specific vehicle, you can bring your car to our experienced technicians at Welsh Automotive and you can also refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines provided in your owner’s manual.
What Kind of Oil is Right For Your Car?
When you go to get your oil change service, you will pick from three different types of oils based on your vehicle manufacturer and make and model. There are primarily three types of engine oils: conventional, synthetic blend, and full-synthetic. Each has its own function and formula and serves a specific purpose.
- Conventional Oil: This type of oil is most suitable for cars with low to average mileage and a simple engine design. Since it is the lowest quality of the three oils, it is suggested to get your conventional oil changed every 3,000 miles.
- Synthetic Blend Oil: As the name suggests, synthetic blend oil is a mix of conventional oil and synthetic oil, which offers better resistance to oxidation and has low-temperature properties. Due to its improved quality compared to conventional oil, cars using synthetic oil blend can sometimes wait longer between oil changes.
- Full-Synthetic Oil: Full-synthetic oils are chemically engineered to provide the highest level of lubrication and engine protection across operating temperatures. They have great high-temperature stability and flow better at lower temperatures, so the oil change intervals for engines that use full-synthetic motor oil could extend as far as 7,500 to 10,000 miles. There are even some high-end synthetics that even claim to last up to 15,000 miles!
Our team at Welsh Automotive Specialties can help you determine which kind of motor oil is best for your vehicle. We keep in mind things like high mileage, how often you drive and other factors that can help us point you to the best oil for your car.
What Role Does Your Driving Style Play?
Did you know that your driving habits can also influence how frequently you need your oil changed? If you are mostly driving on short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or subjecting your vehicle to extreme temperatures, you may need more frequent oil changes. Consider sticking to the 3,000-mile rule in these cases, as your engine oil may be under extra strain in these conditions.
If you have a more gentle driving style, or use your car for longer mileage trips, you can likely extend your oil change frequency by a few thousand miles. But, always check your owner’s manual for confirmation!
Welsh Automotive Specialties: Your destination for oil change | West Chester, PA
Do not let your next oil change pass you by! Keep your car running smoothly and efficiently with regular oil changes.
When it comes time for your next oil change, bring your vehicle to Welsh Automotive. When you choose Welsh Automotive Specialties, you are not just choosing a team of experts, but a family that cares about your vehicle’s performance as much as you do. We take pride in providing top-notch quality care to your car, and we are excited to have you and your vehicle join our family.
Do not hesitate to schedule your next oil change with us. Reach out to us to visit our website or to book an appointment online today!
