Most drivers will rely on their vehicle’s mileage to determine when it should be examined and have its oil changed. However, many factors can help you determine when to change your automobile oil and do other maintenance work. Over time, the existing fluid in your car tends to break down and causes difficulties in its overall performance. Some telltale signs can help you determine if your vehicle is ready for its next oil change in Longmont.
The Timing
You will find most of your answers in the owner’s manual of your vehicle, which should act as your maintenance Bible of sorts. It is easy to jump to conclusions based on your past experiences with mechanics who want your automobile to deteriorate up to a point where they can charge you a massive amount for car service in Longmont. Don’t be that guy or gal.
These days, most trucks and SUVs come equipped with service reminder monitors, so drivers know exactly when their automobile needs to visit a mechanic. However, these automobiles will only base this reminder on the number of miles the vehicle has traveled. While you must not ignore these reminders whenever they occur, there are other factors you may consider. They include:
- Engine Noise
Engine lubricants behave as a sort of protective layer between the engine’s moving parts to ensure that while they do move, they don’t brush against one another and make noises. It also helps keep your engine quiet. Thus, a good telltale sign that your lubricant isn’t doing all it should be doing is a noisy engine which may also indicate that you need an alignment in Longmont. If you hear rattling or knocking sounds come out of your automobile, it is probably time to take it to a service center for regular maintenance. Failure to do so can potentially result in your engine tearing itself apart as more time passes.
- Fuel Smells Inside the Vehicle
When your car is recircling the air inside it to keep it cool, and you smell fuel, it could mean that your engine leaks. Coupled with exhaust fumes, it could mean your automobile is also overheating. This is a sign your vehicle needs immediate attention in the form of auto repair in Longmont.
- Exhaust Smoke
If your vehicle’s tailpipe is letting out a translucent vapor, it is pretty normal. However, if this vapor also contains smoke, then your engine needs maintenance.
How to Check Levels
When the engine is off, lift the hood. After this, you will need to locate the dipstick and pull it away from the engine so you can wipe any lubricant surrounding it. Put the dipstick back in as far as it can go. Pull it out a second time. However, this time, you will check it on both sides to see how far up the liquid comes. Every dipstick is designed in a way to indicate the lubricant level in an engine. It can be two pinholes, Low or High letters, MAX and MIN words, or a crosshatching. If the liquid reaches somewhere between any of the two marks or the crosshatched area, then you should be able to tell that the oil levels inside your vehicle are normal. if the level is below any of the two marks, then maintenance is needed.
While doing this, you will also be mindful of the color of the liquid that you see, which should ideally be either brown or black. If it is cloudy or milky, it could indicate that the coolant is leaking into your vehicle’s engine. You should also keep an eye on all metal particles that could tell whether there is any internal engine damage. If your engine represents any of these signs, then you probably need to book an appointment and get your automobile checked out by a professional for an oil change in Longmont, CO.
If everything appears to be normal, you have the go-ahead to clean the dipstick with a clean cloth and then put it back carefully inside its tube while making sure it sits properly inside it.
Frequency of Changing Engine Oil
Some drivers believe that they need to have their engine checked and the lubricant replaced every 3-months or whenever their vehicles have crossed the 3,000-mile mark. However, the more advanced engines made today makes this guide a little obsolete. While having these changes too late can be bad for your engine, changing it too quickly won’t do magic tricks for it either. Don’t rely on the olden guides and follow your owner’s manual, which contains detailed information about your specific vehicle. This can help you determine better when your car needs a change, better than any mechanic could! Suppose every fuel change costs you $60, and you get your automobile’s engine oil changed every 7,500 miles instead of every 3,000 miles. You could end up saving $360!
Garage-Bound Cars
You could think that since your automobile has been sitting in the garage for a while, that it doesn’t need its lubricant changed, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Your vehicle’s oil needs to be kept fresh, irrespective of the miles you put on it. You shouldn’t go by miles in this particular case and get the lubricant changed at least twice a year.
All of these factors are important, but some may hold more value based on your unique situation. It is always good to get an opinion from a professional when you find yourself in unknown waters. Your vehicle’s appointment is a lot like a dentist’s appointment. The more you wait, the costlier it will eventually be for you.
As an automobile owner, there are many maintenance tasks you must complete to ensure your vehicle runs at its best. These tasks will prevent serious damage from occurring to your automobile and will help you reach your final destination with ease. One of the most common types of maintenance you will need to complete is an oil change at an auto shop in Longmont, CO.
Why Is This Maintenance Task Necessary?
Receiving an oil change in Longmont is necessary to increase the lifespan of your vehicle. It will help your automobile run for longer periods of time. This maintenance task helps keep the engine and all of its parts lubricated, preventing excessive wear, and unnecessary damage to the engine. This task is essential to keep the engine functioning at its best. When the engine is not working well, it can not only affect the drive but your fuel economy and more.
How Often Should This Task Be Completed?
There are several factors that will affect how often you should complete this maintenance task. These factors include the type of vehicle, how often you drive, the type of oil you use, and more. It can often be confusing, particularly for first-time vehicle owners, to know how often to complete this task. Owners can turn to their owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding the make and model of their automobile. A certified mechanic is also a terrific resource to help you determine how often to complete this task.
Where Should I Complete This Maintenance Task?
When you need to complete this maintenance task or additional auto repair is needed in Longmont, you should only allow a certified mechanic to tackle the job. Small mistakes can result in larger repairs or unnecessary damage to the vehicle. Various automobile maintenance tasks such as completing an alignment in Longmont should never be a task that you complete on your own.
However, you do not want to choose just any individual to help you complete various maintenance tasks on your vehicle. You want only the best and most qualified individual to assist you. There are several factors you should consider as you search for a mechanic to complete this maintenance task. A few of these factors include:
- An individual who has experience working with your particular type of vehicle. For example, each make of automobile may have different parts or processes that can be confusing and challenging for individuals unfamiliar with it.
- Find a mechanic who is trustworthy. You do not want to be taken advantage of or charged more than is necessary.
- Ensure the mechanic is knowledgeable and has experience.
- Find a credible auto shop with excellent customer service and who is willing to go the extra mile to answer your questions and assist you with whatever vehicle difficulties may come your way.
As you search for a certified mechanic to assist you, do your research. Ask friends or family members for advice and recommendations on mechanics in the area. Spend some time conducting research online to help you find the best person for the job. If you do not feel comfortable or are not pleased with your current mechanic, repeat the searching process until you find someone you trust.
Tips To Remember To Complete This Task
Completing this car service task in Longmont should never be a task that you overlook. However, it is a task that is often procrastinated or forgotten. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help you remember to complete this task. These include the following:
Know the frequency of how often you should complete the maintenance task. Then, immediately after the task has been completed, place a reminder based on the frequency on your calendar. This will likely be several months in advance but when that time approaches, you are less likely to forget it.
Place a small sticker in the top corner of your windshield. Often, many auto shops will complete this task for you. This simply helps you remember the time frame and how many miles you can drive before this task should be completed.
Schedule your upcoming appointment in advance. Some service centers will allow you to schedule appointments far in advance. This will help you have a date and time for your next appointment and is one less thing you need to worry about.
Maintain a routine. If you know that you must complete this maintenance task at least once every three months, make it a priority on certain months of the year. For example, if you wish to complete this task every three months, then prioritize it during the months of March, June, September, and December.
Ask a family member to remind you. Building a support system and having a friend or family member remind you can be an excellent support and help you ensure that all basic maintenance is completed. There are many maintenance tasks that must be completed and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. When you have another individual, particularly an individual with more experience and who is more familiar with vehicles reminding you and available to answer your questions, it can ensure many of your tasks are not overlooked.
Oil changes are an important maintenance task if you want your vehicle functioning at its best. When you take proper care of your vehicle, you will encounter fewer issues on your drive, your vehicle will last for a longer period of time, and you are more likely to catch potential issues before they turn into expensive and inconvenient repairs. Finding a certified mechanic and the right service center is just one simple way to keep your vehicle in excellent condition for years to come.
While a car is an essential part of our daily lives, for various reasons, recently, your main vehicle may not be needed as much. While this may slow the need for services like alignment in Longmont, that doesn’t mean that you can’t take any care of it at all. The same thing applies to vehicles that, by nature, aren’t driven year-round, like collectibles or seasonal vehicles. However, aside from a place to keep it, what is the best way to manage a vehicle? Here’s what those infrequent drivers need to know.
Going Beyond An Oil Change In Longmont, CO
For one thing, rarely driving a vehicle doesn’t mean that you’re not driving it at all. Even if you find that you’re not the type of person to drive a vehicle much, you want to avoid having it completely inactive, if you can. A general baseline to get these cars out on the road and moving is roughly every two to three weeks or so. This minimizes your chances of a battery dying or you getting flat patches on your tires. These can be a minor hassle at best, and require auto repair in Longmont, possibly right when you finally need it.
Part of what propagates this issue is many different people discussing leaving a vehicle untouched for months at a time with no problems. While this is possible, it’s not the norm. Most infrequent drivers, to stave off major issues, work to drive at least 10 miles a few times each month. If they can reach speeds over 50 mph, this is a big help. The reason why you want to do this over just idling in the driveway is multifaceted.
When you do just idle to “warm the car up” and don’t do anything else, this helps bring the engine to a typical temperature. That’s not a bad thing, but you also need more than that. By driving your vehicle a few miles, on top of that one benefit, you’re also helping to power up the transmission, strengthen the suspension, as well as help the brakes and climate systems. Better you put a little more into this rather than paying for an additional oil change in Longmont before you really need it.
If you find a set of issues with a car that’s not getting driven often, the first place to look is the battery. The batteries on an idle vehicle lose their charge a lot faster. If you decide to let it idle for a while in the driveway, this just makes things worse. Driving a vehicle for a longer period of time gives the car battery more of an opportunity to recharge. This is a better alternative than being caught needing a jump or some new batteries. Consider buying a battery tender if winter is coming and you know you’re going to be on the road less.
These aren’t the only issues that you can encounter, though. For one thing, if you let a vehicle sit in the driveway, it’s going to lose air in the tires. This means flat spots on the part of your tires that rest on the ground. With an occasional drive and putting in air, you can keep this from happening. Make sure that you don’t let any pests/rodents live under the hood or in the exhaust when a vehicle is in storage. Also, a major threat for corrosion is extra moisture in the gas tank. Finally, infrequent drivers still have a few preventative maintenance tasks to do, like changing fluids and checking some internal systems.
Storage Prep/Car Service In Longmont
Whether it’s for seasonal reasons or other reasons, sometimes, you may be committed to not driving a vehicle for a certain period of time. This may make a good occasion to go into long-term storage. Not only does this keep the vehicle safer, but you’ll also have less concern about wear and tear from extreme heat or cold exposure. The issue here is that you also lose the ability to get instant access. Be mindful of this and make sure you take care before stashing a vehicle, like getting your oil change in Longmont, CO, done ahead of time.
Something else to focus on here is your final detailing work, as this may be the last chance to do quite a few things before the final product goes into storage. As a starter, make sure you don’t put a car cover over a dirty vehicle, as this will just make things worse. Instead, just hand wash it first, being sure to get out any stains or sap. After this, you can apply a wax coat. However, there are other things to be wary of, like rust. Rubberized undercoating is invaluable here.
You can also do some detail work inside, as well. To start, clear out any trash and junk that’s accumulated. Beyond that, you may want to steam clean the interior carpet. If you do this, let it fully dry before you finally store things, to avoid any added mold.
But what about those pests we mentioned earlier? You may not be able to keep a vigil outside your vehicle, but there are some things you can do. For example, cheap dryer sheets have some repellant capacity. A mousetrap can also be useful outside, but never put traps inside a vehicle, as you don’t want a dead animal in the vehicle for a prolonged amount of time. Mothballs in socks are also a useful deterrent.
If you put all this advice in mind, an older vehicle in weaker condition can still function well. However, if things shift and you decide you want to drive it more, you need to adapt your upkeep plan. You may need a more aggressive system of checks to keep things running well.
When you purchase a vehicle, you may be looking for a budget option, but end up surprised that the oil change in Longmont, CO, is more expensive than you thought. This can apply to a variety of different vehicles, primarily because the types of oils they are looking to use has changed. 10W-30 and 5W-30 options are getting phased out in favor of options that are low-friction, but higher price. Along with proper alignment in Longmont, these can help ensure that you get maximum fuel efficiency, but the tradeoff is more expensive upkeep. Here’s what you need to know so a higher service cost doesn’t catch you off guard.
You may buy from a dealership with a budget on your mind, only to be surprised when the price tag on an oil change seems a lot higher than usual. This is partially due to the fact that many automakers are beginning to switch, almost exclusively, from 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils to low-friction and pricier options. These slippery, non-friction oils help to squeeze every single bit of fuel economy from the engine, but the synthetic blend also means more costly regular upkeep. So, when you’re confused about the price tag at service at your dealership, here’s what’s happening.
Benefits With Car Service In Longmont
So if your oil change in Longmont uses 0W-2O oils, what are you getting for a service that could cost you $40? The general number code will help you understand a lot. In this context, the 0 covers the viscosity of the oil when you have a cold engine. The W ends up representing its certification in winter, and the 20 covers the viscosity at a higher temperature. The lower the number you see, the thinner the oil ends up being, with less friction. Also, when your car starts up, you’ll see better cold-start emissions.
In some cases, a driver may want to save even more by sticking with the oil they already have. Others may think that even if they have an older vehicle, they can improve their mileage with new oil. This isn’t the case. Technical tests show that upgrading may end up helping, but that’s not what you should be concerned about. It’s the warranty that matters in this case.
To clarify, switching the type of oil you use isn’t going to void your warranty automatically. However, if you have an engine problem caused by improper oil, your repair costs may not be covered by the warranty. As an added note, those who don’t want to pay more for this service may end up having the ability to make a change themselves. A lot of blended or synthetic modern options are able to be purchased at your general auto supply stores, by the quart or by the gallon. How to go about doing this isn’t different either, so while you pay a little more for the actual materials and the time involved, you can still save.
Don’t think that it’s all bad news, though. This is important, as 0W-20 is more and more likely to become standard as time progresses and more and more drivers want every bit of fuel economy. Your typical 3,000-mile interval is more likely to be extended to every 5,000 miles, or maybe even more. In some cases, it’s been tested that vehicles didn’t need a change until 7,500 miles or 7.5 months. As a result, while a change may be more expensive, you get to need it less. If you look in the long-term, the costs balance out.
Are High-Mileage Options Worth It?
Let’s shift the conversation to those vehicle owners that have something older, so they don’t need to upgrade yet. If they are interested in improved performance, security, and fuel economy, there are options out there. Most major brands have selections that focus either on minimizing engine wear or general reduction of aging. These are typically a combination of synthetic and petroleum bases, and will only cost you a few dollars more than the standard. Is it worth it, though?
One thing to note is that you may see two options in a store marked as high-mileage, but they aren’t giving you the same tier of benefits. The best ones typically include conditioners that rejuvenate the seals to cut down on leaks. This is typically a bigger problem for vehicles at higher mileage. The reason for this is that the seals and gaskets get smaller and more brittle as they age, allowing oil to get through. In some cases, this may even be externally visible, as oil streaks/stains get on the driveway or ground. If you find that the seals are wearing, oil can even leak into other parts of the engine and cause burning. You may not see blue smoke, but you will lose oil faster.
Seal conditioners help here by minimizing those small leaks or seeping. In some cases, they can even stop them by reverting things back to their general size and shape. If the engine fails to burn/leak oil, or you’re only using a quart or less after 6,000 miles, the upgrade may not be worth it for you.
Let’s say you have a used vehicle with 100,000 miles on it, but you don’t necessarily go through a lot of oil. What you do is up to you here. High-mileage options can help minimize the risk of leaks. Along with your seal conditioners, these high-mileage options also have more detergents to help get the sludge out of the engine, along with additives that lower wear and tear. You’ll see a lot of brands saying the same things, though. Some experts will recommend that you move to a higher viscosity as well, but make sure you read the manual to make sure you aren’t risking engine damage when you do this. If you need an oil change or auto repair in Longmont, reach out to a local service provider.
Keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition is critical. If you do not take proper care of your automobile, you may find it is difficult to get from point A to point B. You may spend a large sum of money on fixes and replacements that could have easily been avoided if you simply stayed on top of your car service in Longmont in the first place.
Here are several necessary maintenance tasks that will keep your vehicle operating.
1. Check the Oil
An oil change is one of the most common maintenance tasks performed on vehicles in Longmont, CO. This is because it is one of the most important. When your vehicle has the proper amount of oil and the recommended type, it will keep the parts throughout the automobile working at its best. The parts in the vehicle will not have to work as hard to move the vehicle forward, saving you on fuel and reducing the amount of damage and wear and tear that can occur to each part.
Additionally, when receiving an oil change at a Longmont shop, it takes very little time and is typically inexpensive. During this appointment, an experienced mechanic can also take a look at your vehicle to check for potential problems and to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top condition and will keep you safe on the road.
2. Tire Alignment
When you receive an alignment at a Longmont automobile center, mechanics will adjust the vehicle suspension so the wheels and tires are at a specific angle. This will help to keep the automobile straight on the road and will help to reduce the amount of wear the tires receive. It can also greatly improve the handling of the automobile and its overall performance.
Similar to other maintenance tasks, aligning the tires is fairly simple and takes little time to complete.
3. A/C and Heating Services
It is important that you remain comfortable in your automobile. You want to make sure that your heating and air conditioning units work well and have few problems. If these units are not serviced often, it can affect your entire system.
When you visit the best auto shops to receive heating and air conditioning maintenance, mechanics will examine the controls and blower inside your vehicle. They will also check various items including:
- Radiator coolant
- Hoses, pressure radiator cap
- Compressor belt
- Thermostat
There are several signs that your air conditioning and heating systems need a little TLC. For example, it is blowing room temperature air, the air blowing out of your fans has a musty sell, or it simply does not operate at all.
4. Brake Repair
The brakes are a critical component of your vehicle. If these items are not in excellent condition it can put yourself, your family, and other drivers on the road at risk. Having the brakes checked and repaired should be an item that is regularly placed on your to-do list.
There are several signs that you need to replace your brakes. These signs include:
- There is a squeaking noise each time you press on the brakes.
- The brake pedal is mushy.
- You hear grinding noises when you press on the brakes.
- The vehicle pulls to one side when you brake.
- You have to push the brake pedal close to the floor before the automobile will start to slow down.
There are several options available to increase the lifespan of your brakes. These will give you peace of mind knowing that your brakes are less likely to slow down or have issues.
5. Electrical Work
Your automobile is a complex machine. It needs a strong and well-maintained electrical system. When the electrical system has any glitches or any issues occur, it can affect the entire vehicle. It can also be challenging to find the issue and even larger, more expensive and inconvenient fixes may be needed.
The electrical system in your vehicle powers many aspects of your vehicle. For example, it affects all lights including headlights and brake lights. If your automobile features any type of powered movements such as powered windows or seats, these are also affected by the electrical system.
6. Batteries
Your battery plays a critical role in your vehicle. The battery is the item that helps to power the ignition system. If your battery is not in excellent condition, it can make it difficult to turn on your vehicle. You can begin to notice if your battery is dying by how the vehicle starts each day. If you have any questions or worries about your battery, there are tests available to determine the life of the battery and to give you an approximate amount of time you have left until a battery replacement is needed. However, if auto repair is needed in Longmont, you can visit an auto shop to have the item replaced quickly and at a fairly inexpensive price.
No matter what type of service or repair your vehicle needs, you can find assistance at the best auto shops in Colorado. Your vehicle is a large investment and you do not want to trust just anyone to complete various tasks on it. You want to make sure you have professionals who will help you every step of the way and will complete the tasks on your vehicle well.
Additionally, it is important you follow the maintenance schedule of your specific vehicle. You can find this information in the owner’s manual. This large book will provide information on the type of maintenance tasks you should complete, how often they should be completed, and the recommended supplies needed.
Whether you drive a car, SUV, or truck, statistics show that the most likely issue your vehicle is going to develop is some sort of check engine warning or light on the dashboard. Most of the time, these signals occur due to your vehicle’s ECU, a component also known as the engine control unit. When the ECU detects an error code after one of the vehicle’s many sensors is triggered, a corresponding check engine light appears. However, complicating the issue is the fact that there are over 200 of these error codes that can appear at any given time. As a result, as a part of your auto repair in Longmont, it’s essential that when you see a light, you don’t just go off a hunch. Instead, you want a warning light inspection done so you can figure out what the true cause is and get the repairs you need. However, with such frequency, what exactly is the most common root cause of a check engine light? Here’s what you need to know.
Traditional Auto Repair Problems
A vehicle doesn’t work if the engine isn’t going right, so if there’s a problem there, it will lead to greater issues elsewhere. As a starter example, let’s talk about an issue with your engine sputtering. Most of the time, efficient engine running happens when both the air and the fuel meet and burn in the engine’s combustion chamber. For this to take place, though, a bunch of different parts of the fuel and ignition systems all need to work properly. One single problem with the system could lead to a sputtering engine and your vehicle not being able to do its job properly. This makes it essential that you avoid the issue by getting properly scheduled service or alignment in Longmont. In addition, sometimes, you may need to replace these parts. This is why it’s essential that you follow manufacturer guidelines to replace things as needed.
However, there are other engine issues you want to be aware of, for example, fuel economy. When an engine is working well, it’s generally burning fuel at a proper rate for your fuel economy. In short, every dollar you spend on this gas will end up having more value. However, the thing about this is that like the rest of your engine, having a good fuel economy is contingent on several different parts working properly. This includes things like fuel filters and oxygen sensors, but the truth is that even missing your oil change in Longmont, CO, can play a role. As a side note, the condition of these parts isn’t affected by how good a driver you are or the quality of your vehicle. Eventually, these parts will get dirty and worn. When this happens, your engine will need to burn more fuel to drive the same distances as in the past.
On the topic of things that can slow your vehicle down, we should mention the battery. On average, a battery lasts around 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever mark it reaches first. The reason for this is that around this time, a battery will no longer be able to hold a charge and gets a lack of electric currents. However, some issues can speed up exactly when a battery dies. Generally, this is a damaged component like an alternator. However, everything can be going right and your battery will still eventually die, so it’s best to keep to that 3 year/50,000 mile interval when it comes to getting a replacement. This even applies if your battery seems to be working well.
Another component you want to be on top of in terms of wear and tear is the brakes. Part of the issue with the brakes is that when exactly they wear out is more dependent on how you drive versus your type of vehicle or a certain interval. For example, a driver in the country and driver in the city can have the same make and model of vehicle, but the city driver stops more and wears out their brakes faster. How exactly you know this is happening can vary. Some modern automobiles have a dashboard brake wear warning. In other cases, you need to listen for a squealing sound when applying the brakes.
Off The Beaten Path
Up until this point, most of the issues we’ve discussed are relatively easy to get to the bottom of. If you hear or feel something odd with your brakes, you likely have a brake issue. If your engine has an issue, you’ll have that handy dashboard warning. It’s similar to checking your oil to figure out if you need an oil change in Longmont or not. However, in other cases, you may get a check engine light but have a lot less of a clue what exactly is taking place. Here’s how to tackle those issues.
As a start, let’s talk about alternator problems. Generally, the alternator should be working to keep your electrical systems running after the car starts. Along with this, it provides a charge to the battery to make sure things stay in proper condition. However, if the alternator breaks, the opposite happens and your battery gets more wear and tear. This makes it essential that you keep to the service schedule.
Another possible problem that could lead to your check engine light appearing is an issue with the starter motor. This component’s job is to make sure your engine properly cranks over, beginning the process of starting. Generally, this fails due to something called the electrical solenoid getting damaged. However, there could be other potential issues in place. It’s taught to detect when your starter motor will break down or is showing its age. As a result, the best thing you can do is regularly get inspection and get car service in Longmont done, so you can have it checked.
Overheating, funny as it may sound, isn’t likely to be the cause of your dashboard warning, even on the hottest summer day. This is largely because modern models especially have extremely complex and powerful cooling systems in place. As long as you follow manufacturer guidelines and get things like radiator flushes and water pump changes, you should be fine.
Many people have been told that they need to change their oil every 3,000 miles. This was just a rule they had to follow, and often times it came with no explanation of why this is important, and what can happen if they don’t do it. In many cases, this has lead to individuals simply forgetting about it, since they were unable to associate the rule with any significant effects. In reality, there are several reasons why one should ensure that they do an oil change in Longmont, Co, at the proper time.
Why is Oil Important
To understand just how important it is for vehicle owners in Longmont Co. to change the oil on time, one should first understand why oil is so important. Essentially, this fluid is important for a car to run smoothly, because it creates a protective film between metal parts of the engine, ensuring they don’t rub against each other, thus keeping the vehicle in good order. In addition, it takes the heat made by the engine away from it.
Why Does Your Car Oil Have to Be Changed
Initially, oil is an amber color, and fluid. However, as time passes, particles of dirt from the engine get caught in the oil. This is great for the engine because it is important to keep it as free of debris as possible. Nevertheless, it starts to lose its effectiveness, and with more use, the oil becomes thicker, which reduces its fluidity, and thus, its capacity to lubricate the parts of the engine. When this happens it’s time for an oil change by a trusted Longmont, Co. service center.
Not Changing the Oil
Not changing the oil can lead to many issues for the engine of the vehicle. Most commonly, different parts of the engine will start to heat up too much, because as the oil loses its lubricating power, the parts start to rub against each other, creating additional heat, which, in the long run, will result in components wearing out, and the engine performing worse than it ought to.
If this goes on for a really long time, it will lead to the engine breaking down completely, which means one will have to replace it all together. Indeed, this is something to avoid as much as possible, because it is extremely expensive to do. So expensive, in fact, that many prefer to sell the vehicle to a scrap yard, and purchase another one.
With all of this in mind, performing something as quick and as simple as an oil change should not be overlooked. Maintaining a simple maintenance schedule on a vehicle can go a long way to extend the life of the automobile.
An oil change for Longmont residents is quite a simple service to get. Nevertheless, if it is done on a regular basis, it can have a huge effect on one’s engine, helping it last longer, and improve its performance. The issue is that most individuals don’t know what signs to watch out for, telling them that their oil needs changing. Rather, they look at the car mileage and use that as an indicator. While this works in many cases, there are instances where the car mileage isn’t the only or best indicator, resulting in one driving his or her car without changing the oil way longer than they should. To prevent this, it helps to know what signs to watch out for.
Dirty Oil
When the oil is clean, its color is amber. As time passes, it becomes darker and darker in color, gathering different particles from the engine. It’s hard to guess when an oil’s color will start to change, which is why it’s a good idea to check the level and color monthly. If one notices that the liquid has started to become darker and thicker, it’s time to schedule an oil change with a trusted Longmont service center.
Engine Noise
When the oil is clean, it works as a barrier between different pieces of the engine, ensuring there is no direct contact between them. When it starts to have issues, the barrier it provides isn’t as efficient, which leads to the engine producing louder noises than normal.
Check Engine or Oil Change Light
If the oil has reached a low level, there should be an indicator that lights up to notify the driver. If one sees it, they should immediately check the level, and if it is indeed low, schedule an oil change in Longmont as soon as possible. If one’s car has been running on low to empty, the check engine light may light up, letting the driver know that they risk their engine being damaged.
Exhaust Smoke
If it is cold outside, seeing a vapour that’s translucent coming from the tailpipe is no big deal. However, if smoke is coming out of it, then it may be a sign that there is an oil leak in the engine. In addition, smoke may also be a sign that there are parts of the engine that are not working as they should.
Oil Smell Inside the Car
If one can smell oil in their car, it is either indicative of a leak, or that the car is overheating, which leads to its oil burning in the exhaust zone.
Oil change should not be treated lightly since despite being a very simple procedure, it can lead to many benefits.
Your car is an investment. Regular preventative maintenance is one of the best ways that drivers can keep their vehicle running smoothly and prolong its longevity. This will help save you time and money in the long-run, since you will be able to identify and prevent costly damage before it occurs.
However, keeping up with regular tune-ups is easier said than done. If you’re not a natural-born mechanic, here is a list of the most common car maintenance mistakes to avoid.
1. Skipping Oil Change
Having regular oil changes in Longmont is one of the most crucial car maintenance tasks. Oil keeps your engine lubricated and helps siphon away heat, reducing the likelihood of damage or overheating. While the general rule of thumb used to be having a replacement done every 3,000 miles, drivers can now go anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing to have an oil change done.
2. Skipping Brake Checks
Are your brakes making an annoying squeaking or grinding sound? Don’t just raise the radio volume and hope it goes away. Your brakes are an important part of your vehicle’s safety features, and these strange sounds are often a sign that your brake pads are worn. Another common sign is a brake pedal that feels spongy or takes too long to engage when you press down.
3. Ignoring the Check Engine Light
Even if the sign of trouble isn’t immediately obvious, there’s a reason why your check engine light is on. While this can sometimes be due to a bad sensor, there might be something else amiss with your vehicle. Having your light checked is quick and easy, but waiting can result in expensive issues down the road that could have been avoided.
4. Using Home Glass Cleaner On Windshields
Though it might seem convenient, never use home glass cleaner on your vehicle’s rear windshield. These products often contain ammonia, which can deteriorate the thin red wires that are responsible for defrosting your glass. Instead, use a product specifically formulated for auto glass.
5. Not Checking Your Fluids
Though motor oil is the lifeline of your vehicle, it’s not the only fluid that needs to be checked and replaced regularly. Your engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid all need to be checked, replaced, and/or topped off regularly. Each fluid has its own respective reservoir under your engine hood that will let you see where your current levels are.
One of the best measures to prolong the lifespan of your car and its engine is to perform regular oil changes. Keep in mind that the oil in your car is like the lifeblood of the vehicle. If it isn’t changed regularly, there can be debris in the oil that can block several parts of the engine and cause it to fail. The great thing is, a regular oil change is easy to do, especially with the assistance of a trusted car service facility in Longmont, Co.
The oil change can be done as part of regular maintenance. Therefore, you don’t need to take extra time off to do this because it can be done alongside other maintenance checks. Experienced mechanics will recommend getting your oil changed when you have driven about 3,000 miles or when three months have passed, whichever comes first. Still, with the use of high-performance oil, this can be prolonged and timing can be extended.
To further appreciate why you should do regular oil changes, here are the benefits of doing so.
1. It provides better engine performance
Clean oil guarantees that your engine is in top shape. When you change the oil regularly, it guarantees that there is no debris in the oil that goes around the engine. The debris can cause blockage in the engine, which can lead to it performing poorly. Worse, the engine can fail when oil is not changed immediately.
When your car’s engine is in top shape, it allows you to drive optimally with the best fuel economy. Hence, you don’t waste any fuel and get your money’s worth every time you top up.
2. Avoid debris build-up
Pristine oil is debris-free, which means there is no debris build-up inside the engine. Imagine the engine is like the heart: if there is debris or plaque in the arteries, it can be fatal. This is the same with the car; if the engine is blocked, the car will fail. It will be costly to repair it if there is even still a chance to revive it. It will be more expensive to buy a new one when this could have been avoided with a regular oil change.
3. Better fuel economy
As mentioned before, if the oil is clean, the engine performs at its best. Hence, you get the best fuel economy. You get a lot of drive with every gallon of fuel.
4. Reduced emissions
With clean oil, your car doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. In a way, you don’t contribute in polluting the air around simply by changing your oil regularly.
5. Prolongs the life of your car
It is expensive to buy a new car so as much as possible you want to extend the life of your existing vehicle. With just a simple regular oil change, you can do this and add more years to your car’s life.
