A standard maintenance procedure known as an oil change is emptying the old oil from your engine and refilling it with fresh oil. This procedure lessens friction, lubricates the engine’s moving parts, and shields them from damage. Changing the oil filter as part of an oil change often helps to get rid of impurities in the oil that can harm your engine.
A service, on the other hand, is a more thorough maintenance procedure intended to keep your automobile operating smoothly and stop problems from arising. In addition to an oil change, a normal service includes a number of additional duties, including monitoring and topping off fluid levels, examining and replacing damaged parts, and running diagnostic tests to find any potential problems.
You will require a few tools in order to change the oil on your vehicle. A wrench is one of the most essential tools. The size of the drain cap on your oil pan will determine the size of the wrench you require. Although a 14mm wrench is typically required, it is important to read your owner’s manual to be certain.
You run the risk of causing damage to your engine if you change your oil but not the oil filter. Oil flow to the engine may become restricted if the oil filter accumulates impurities over time. Your engine may overheat as a result, which could seriously harm it.
A common question is whether or not you should warm up your automobile before changing the oil. No, is the response. In fact, it is advised against warming up your vehicle before changing the oil. This is because heated oil flows more readily, which can make it more challenging to completely drain the old oil from the engine.
How long can you go without changing your oil, then? Your car’s age and condition, the kind of oil you use, and your driving habits are just a few of the variables that will affect the answer to this question. Oil changes are generally advised to be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.
In conclusion, while oil changes are a crucial component of vehicle maintenance, they are not the same as services. A service is a more thorough task that includes several upkeep chores intended to keep your car running efficiently. Use the proper size wrench, replace the oil filter, and refrain from pre-warming your automobile when changing the oil. Additionally, make sure to stick to the schedule for changing your vehicle’s oil.