Everything You Need to Know About Oil Changes

Transportation isn’t cheap. With the rising cost of everything, it can seem like an easy choice to delay your oil change. But long term, that’s not a good option. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how an oil change can affect a car’s longevity.

What does oil do for a car?

Car oil is essential for your engine, as it regulates heat and keeps your vehicle running smoothly. It’s best practice to get your oil changed every 5,000 miles. Let’s find out why:

Regulates Heat

Oil is crucial to the performance and longevity of an engine. One of its primary functions is to regulate temperature. As you drive, your engine generates a lot of heat, and without proper cooling, it can quickly overheat and become damaged. This is where oil steps in, acting as a coolant by absorbing and dissipating the heat. It circulates through the entire engine and prevents overheating. By regulating temperature, oil helps keep your engine running smoothly and prevents costly repairs.

Lubricates Engine Parts

In addition to regulating the temperature, oil serves another vital purpose: it lubricates engine parts. Your engine is made up of various moving components, such as pistons, cylinders and valves, which constantly rub against each other as they work together. This friction can cause significant wear and tear, leading to reduced efficiency and even engine failure. However, oil acts as a lubricant, creating a thin protective film between these parts, ensuring they glide smoothly. This lubrication minimizes friction, reduces wear and helps extend the lifespan of your engine. Regularly changing your oil and ensuring it is clean and at the right viscosity is crucial for maintaining optimal lubrication and keeping your engine operating at its best.

Improves Gas Mileage

Did you know that when you opt for fresh, high-quality oil in your engine, you'll notice improvements in your gas mileage? New oil also helps to minimize harmful emissions, keeping the air cleaner and our community healthier. As oil ages, it becomes less effective in reducing heat and friction. This often results in increased fuel usage as the engine needs to work harder to overcome resistance. By regularly changing your oil, you ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, saving you money on fuel while also doing your part for the environment.

Can I skip an oil change?

Sure, you can skip an oil change. But it will likely catch up to you at some point. If it were us, or our families’ cars, we’d rather pay for a regular oil change than pay for an engine replacement that costs anywhere from $4,000-$10,000.

Also, some warranties are contingent on regular car maintenance. (After all, if you’re not taking care of your engine with regular oil changes, then why would the manufacturer replace it?) So, in addition to your regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to keep a record of your car care. At Tire Source, we make it easy with an online portal so you can see exactly how we’ve maintained your vehicle.

Don’t wait to schedule an oil change for your car!

What Oil Should I Use?

Not all engine oil is created equal. At Tire Source, you can trust us to give you good advice for which oil is beneficial, and which oil is likely unnecessary for your car. Here are a few types of common engine oils:

Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic motor oil is chemically engineered for better performance and protection in extremely cold weather.

Semi-Synthetic Blend Oil

A synthetic blend oil is just that: a blend of synthetic and conventional motor oil. This is a good choice for those who want optimal engine performance at an affordable price.

How much should an oil change cost?

We understand that no one likes to be surprised by an extra expense, especially when it comes to car maintenance.

Be sure to sign up for our Rewards Program to get discounts.

Why Trust Tire Source?

We provide neighborhood car care. It’s that simple. We care about our community, and we do it by providing honest, reliable and transparent car care. Still skeptical? It’s ok. Just ask your neighbor who they trust with their car. When it comes to car care in Northeast Ohio, Tire Source is a trusted name.

Schedule an Oil Change Today!

Don’t put off regular car maintenance. Keep your engine running smoothly when you bring your vehicle to a Tire Source location near you! Schedule an oil change today.