What Does An Oil Change Do?

You know motor oil is affordable and available. You’ve seen it on the shelves in auto parts stores, gas stations, hardware stores, and big box retailers. But do you know “what does an oil change do?”

Three of the Many Benefits of an Oil Change. 

Changing your oil according to your vehicle manufacturer recommendations can help with:
Maintaining engine efficiency, reducing noxious emissions, and avoiding costly repairs.
If that isn’t enough, how about this? An oil change is also an opportunity for a trained Jiffy Lube® technician to perform a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle. When you visit one of the 2,000+ Jiffy Lube locations nationwide for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, your car will receive a complimentary, multi-point inspection that includes a check and fill of the following:

• Tire pressures
• Transmission/transaxle fluid
• Differential/transfer case fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• Battery water (excluding sealed batteries)

The technician will inspect key components including:

• Antifreeze/coolant reservoir levels
• Engine air filtration system
• Serpentine belts
• Brake fluid level (in transparent reservoirs)
• Wiper blades
• Exterior lights
• Chassis (lubricate when applicable)

Motor Oil and Your Engine

To better understand what an oil change does, let’s look at how oil performs within the engine.

Your engine consists of several key components. 

As oil flows through the engine, it cleans, lubricates and protects these components. It picks up deposits and contaminants, so your motor runs clean. But even the highest quality motor oil won’t last forever, and when the oil’s additives become depleted, it’s time for a change.

Motor Oil and Emissions 

The benefits of an oil change are two-fold: help pass an emissions test and help the environment.

A primary part of an emissions test is checking for exhaust hydrocarbon content.

• Hydrocarbon is present in unburned fuel and by-products of combustion
• Dirty motor oil can cause buildup of these hydrocarbons inside the engine’s crankcase
• These hydrocarbons are drawn into the combustion chamber and passed into the emission control system.
• They are then released into the atmosphere through your car’s exhaust

Routine oil changes will help extend the life of your emission system and reduce the hydrocarbons released into the air. 

Motor Oil and Gas Mileage

“Save you money” is one of the most popular answers to, “What does an oil change do?” Let’s look at how regular oil changes can help you spend less at the pump.

When the engine is properly lubricated, it’s more efficient. Oil is designed to help maintain engine performance by keeping it clean, protecting it from wear, and drawing heat from the engine. Here’s how: when components are covered with sludge and varnish, they stay hotter longer and work harder. Oil cleans and protects as it lubricates, helping to prevent the buildup of sludge.

But oil viscosity (thickness) breaks down with continued exposure to heat and contaminants in the engine. Plus, old, dirty oil loses its effectiveness as a lubricant. So, your engine must work extra hard, and this often results in diminished horsepower and gas mileage. After an oil change, with fresh oil flowing through your engine, you’re likely to see your gas dollar go further.

Timing of Your Next Oil Change

We’ve covered what an oil change does, now let’s see when you need to do. First, consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval for your specific vehicle. Can’t locate your manual? No worries! You can reach out to a Jiffy Lube® technician, who can access this information for you.

What to Expect When You Bring Your Car to Jiffy Lube

With the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, you can expect:

• The technician to ask you questions about your driving style. Knowing where you drive (do you often drive in dusty conditions) and how you drive (do you often take short trips in stop-and-go-traffic?) can help the technician recommend the right steps for preventive maintenance.
• Expect the technician to provide you with options if your vehicle manufacturer recommends more than one type of motor oil. Most Jiffy Lube locations offer quality Pennzoil® products.

After speaking with you, the technician will:

• Drain the engine oil 
• Remove and replace the oil filter
• Fill with approved motor oil that meets the manufacturer’s recommended type, weight, and volume
• Place a window sticker on the upper left corner of your windshield to remind you when your next oil change service is due 

If your vehicle has a message display center that displays the oil life, the technician will reset the monitor to reflect your new oil change. 
Remember, one of the key benefits of an oil change is to help keep your vehicle running right. And the team at Jiffy Lube is eager to help.

Read More About It

Curious about the difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil? Find out here.