If you don’t know a lot about engine oil and how it affects your car, Viking Automotive wants to give you some tips. These can help you to keep your car running for a long time.
You Really Do Need to Change Your Car’s Oil
There are a lot of car owners who feel as if changing the oil in their car is optional. It really isn’t. Changing your car’s oil as often as recommended helps to protect your car’s engine. That extends the life of the engine and of your car, which is all-important. You also are at a much lower risk of seriously damaging your car’s engine.
Your Car’s Owner’s Manual Tells You What You Need to Know about Oil
You can check your car’s owner’s manual to find all of the information you need about oil, oil changes, frequencies, and more. It will even outline the right oil type for your car’s engine. This is all information that you don’t have to memorize, but that it’s good for you to know.
It’s Easier than You Think to Check Your Oil Yourself
If you’ve never checked your car’s oil before, this is a great time to start. Most people think it’s really difficult, but it isn’t. Check the oil when your car is cool, so not right when you get home. Try to park in a level spot if possible and remove the dipstick. You’ll need a paper towel or rag so that you can wipe off the dipstick. Next, you’re going to reinsert it into the dipstick tube and pull it straight back out. Look at where the edge of the oil is. There are markings on the dipstick to tell you how much oil is in the oil reservoir. If it’s less than full, or if the oil looks dirty, you may be overdue for an oil change.
There Might Be Consequences if You Don’t Change the Oil
Those horror stories about the stuff that can happen if you don’t change the oil aren’t just campfire stories meant to scare you. Your engine really can die if you never change the oil. It can also sustain engine damage that is so bad that you may as well have killed it. Oil is there to lubricate, clean, and cool the engine, so it’s vital that it’s up to the job.
Has it been a while since your last oil change? Viking Automotive in Houston TX is here for you. Give us a call and we’ll schedule an appointment to get your car’s oil changed right away.
