The Top 5 Oil Change Must-Knows for Your Next Mechanic Visit

An important key to keeping a vehicle on the road as long as possible is routine oil change service. Purchasing a car is a big investment, so scheduling oil changes on a regular basis can help you get the most out of it. 

For quality service that is also affordable, take advantage of your local Driver’s Edge oil change specials, instead of getting a quick and cheap oil change. Once you’ve partnered with Driver’s Edge, we can establish a history for your car maintenance and repairs, including oil changes. 

Below are the 5 most important things you need to know about a car oil change routine.

Functions of Clean Oil and Oil Filter

Why are regular oil changes so important? What happens in the engine? 

Clean oil and clean oil filter:

1. Lubricates all the moving parts under the hood of your car
2. Cools moving parts in the engine as they perform their jobs
3. Removes dirt particles that will cause corrosion in the engine
4. Improves gas mileage
5. Increases auto longevity

All of this means you can save money in the long run because your car will last longer.

Oil Change Frequency 

Every driver has heard it: oil changes are necessary every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. But it’s not quite that definitive today. It certainly is a good rule to abide by if you don’t know the history of your vehicle, or you want to make sure you are changing your oil as required. But today’s auto engines and the oils to service them may allow you to wait longer between oil change service.

Synthetic oils sold today hold up longer than conventional oils. Newer engines are more efficient than older engines, too, so it’s possible to drive into your Driver’s Edge less frequently for this service. If you aren’t sure, check your owner’s manual and discuss it with our oil change specialists for their input and recommendation.

Severe vs Normal Driving

When you check your owner’s manual, you may notice that they reference “severe” driving. But what exactly is it?

Severe driving means:

• Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads
• Towing, heavy vehicle loading, or using a car-top carrier
• Repeated short trips in below-freezing temperatures 
• Idling extensively and/or low speed driving for a long distance
• Driving in hot weather stop-and-go traffic
• Long distance, low-speed (under 50 mph) driving 

If that describes your normal driving situation, you may need oil changes more often. Let our oil change specialists at Driver’s Edge be your local experts.

Conventional Oil vs Synthetic Oil

Here are some important factors you should consider when selecting the best type of oil for your vehicle. 

Conventional oil

• Less expensive 
• Needs to be changed more often
• Made from crude oil
• Contain impurities
• Lubricates by coating vital engine parts that run at high speeds 
• Forms “engine sludge” from carbon deposits in the engine 
• Susceptible to extreme heat

Synthetic oil

• Fewer oil changes
• More expensive
• Allows for a slower break down of oil from the mixture of additives
• Provides better lubrication
• Adapts to extreme temperatures
• Keeps the engine cleaner and lasts longer
• Improves fuel efficiency and engine performance

It is clear that you should make your decision based on your specific vehicle and details such as how and where it is driven, how often it’s on the road or in your garage, and its age. 

Driver’s Edge Is Your Local Oil Change Specialist

At Driver’s Edge, our dedicated team of specialists are ready to help you make the best decisions for your vehicle. We look forward to answering your questions and making recommendations based on these top 5 oil change must-knows! 

Make an appointment today!