Oil Change FAQs at the Krause Auto Group
Oil changes are an essential part of owning a vehicle. After all, if your oil is not changed regularly (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or 90 days), then your vehicle can malfunction and you could be left on the side of the road wondering how to get home. Maybe you don’t know how to care for your vehicle’s oil, and that is okay. There are many different parts in your vehicle — sometimes it’s hard to keep track of what needs to be taken care of. Thankfully, we are here to help answer some of the most common questions people have about oil changes. Need to learn more? Keep reading for some answers you don’t want to miss out on.
What is an oil change?
An oil change is a basic requirement to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Motor oil works directly with the engine to keep it lubricated and cool, while simultaneously clearing buildup from the combustion process away from specific engine components. When you get your oil changed at one of the dealerships at the Krause Auto Group, our expert technicians will drain the dirty oil out of your vehicle, replace your worn oil filter with a new one and give your vehicle fresh premium oil. This way, your vehicle can keep working correctly and you don’t have to worry about being stranded.
Why are regular oil changes important?
Oil is an essential component to keep your engine running, and since the engine is a key part to make your move, you should always take care of your vehicle’s oil. If you don’t keep up with oil changes, your vehicle can have poor performance, a shortened lifespan, overheat and even more serious problems that can lead to death of your vehicle.
Oil is what lubricates the key parts of your engine and reduces friction to ensure everything works together seamlessly. If your oil is bad or low, it can decrease the health of your engine and the overall vehicle may not work correctly. If you notice that your car’s oil is low or looks dirty, you should get it inspected and changed.
How often should you change your oil?
Every manufacturer will have their own recommendation on when you should get the oil changed for your particular model — it is best to check your owner’s manual. However, the general rule of thumb is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 90 days, whichever comes first.
If you notice a difference in your oil levels, your model’s oil has become dirty or your vehicle is not driving normally, you should bring it in so our technicians can take a look to ensure your oil is fine. One common misconception is that you can top off your oil — please don’t do this. When you do this, you add new oil to dirty oil and this doesn’t help your engine’s oil health.
Although, if your car warns you that your vehicle’s oil is too low, then you can top it off because it isn’t an indication that the health of the oil has decreased — just the level — but make sure to take it in to a professional as soon as possible to get new oil added for your engine’s health.
How do you know if your oil needs to be changed?
When you keep up with maintenance, like oil changes, on your vehicle, then you won’t have to worry about this too much. But, sometimes things slip through the cracks, and your car starts showing you warning signs.
If there are oil stains on the concrete underneath your vehicle, you should bring your vehicle in to have its oil changed. Your car has an oil leak, which means your engine isn’t getting the proper amount needed to work efficiently. Another warning sign is the oil warning light or low oil pressure light comes on. Be sure to stop your vehicle, top it off (this is only a temporary fix) and bring it into a technician as soon as possible. If you don’t address the issue immediately, your vehicle can overheat or stop working completely. Of course, if you check your oil dip stick whenever you get gas, you can help to prevent instances like this from occurring.
What kind of oil should you select?
Different oil types are identified by their weight and viscosity, and some oil contains additives that are meant to benefit your vehicle’s model. Factors like your vehicle’s mileage, performance and the season are some things to consider when choosing oil for your vehicle.
There are different types of oil like conventional oil, synthetic blend and high-mileage blend, among many others. If you aren’t sure about what type of oil is best for your vehicle’s needs, it is best to contact a professional so they can give you an idea of what to select. We are more than happy to help you choose the right oil for your vehicle and perform an oil change when your vehicle needs it.
If you have any questions about oil changes or need services, contact us today or stop by the many locations of the Krause Auto Group. We look forward to serving our customers near Woodstock, Duluth and Kennesaw.
*Plus tax, shop supplies and applicable fees. Up to five quarts of conventional oil. Excludes synthetic. See dealer for details.