Your Local Auto Oil Service Station near Lubbock, TX

Your Guide to Oil Change Services

Maintaining a healthy vehicle that will last you for years and years comes with attention and care throughout its lifespan. One of the most frequent and crucial services is an oil change. Oil is like water for the body of your car. Without fresh, clean oil, things go south for your engine very quickly.

To ensure you are equipped with the know-how to care for your vehicle correctly, we've created a quick guide to all things oil change-related so you can feel confident about the care your vehicle is receiving.

Just How Important Are Oil Changes?

Are you curious if an oil change is something you can put off? Here's your answer – it's not. Unfortunately, oil has a pretty regular schedule that it abides by; between 3,000 to 7,500 miles for most vehicles is the most you can get away with. Other factors, like leakage, extreme weather, dusty roads, and so on, can impact the frequency with which you should have your oil serviced. Talk to your local mechanic and consult your owner's manual to determine your vehicle's intended oil change schedule.

What Does an Oil Change Do?

Oil plays three critical roles in your engine:

1. Lubrication: Oil lubricates the gears and moving parts in your engine. The absence of clean oil leads to grinding and damages the engine.
2. Cooling: Oil circulates the heat produced in the engine to keep things cool and avoid overheating.
3. Cleaning: Dirt, ground metals from the moving gears, and general debris accumulate in the engine, and oil acts as a barrier and cleaning agent. Over time, oil will become thick and sludgy with debris, which will need to be emptied. This is one of the reasons why clean oil must be periodically added to the engine.

What Are the Signs That I Need an Oil Change?

If you don't know what your oil change schedule should be, there will be signs that it's time to bring your vehicle in for service. However, if you don't remember when your last oil change was, the time is now. Here are signs to look out for when you need an oil change now:

• The check engine light is illuminated.
• Your oil looks dark and gritty or is low.
• Your engine is making more noises and producing uncharacteristic vibrations.
• You smell burning coming from the engine.

If it seems like there is a problem, there probably is. Oil changes are a preventative maintenance service used to keep your vehicle in great shape. It's once the damage is done that you start facing pricey repair work. Don't head to the service station out of neglect; stay proactive and invest in the longevity of your trusty daily vehicle.

Schedule Your Oil Change Near Lubbock, TX

When you schedule your oil changes with Charlie Clark Chevrolet Buick GMC, you'll find comprehensive care performed by expert hands. No need to get your hands dirty – trust the professionals to get the job done right. We hope to see you for your following oil change!