At Heaven Automotive, we know that regular oil changes are key. They keep your engine running well and last longer. Following the maker’s advice, oil changes can make your engine last up to 50% longer. This means your car can go over 200,000 miles without problems.
Not changing oil can harm your car. It can lead to low oil levels in 75% of cars. This can cause big repair bills and make your car use more gas. So, getting regular oil changes in San Antonio is very important.
Our team uses top-quality oil and filters. They protect your engine and save you money. Regular oil changes will make your car run better.
Key Takeaways
- Regular oil changes can extend engine life by up to 50%.
- Engines with routine maintenance can last 200,000 miles or more.
- Neglecting oil changes may decrease fuel efficiency by 10% over time.
- 75% of vehicles on the road have low oil levels that can cause engine wear.
- Professional oil changes can save you from costly repairs that exceed $3,000.
The Importance of Oil Changes for Your Vehicle
Regular oil changes are key to keeping your car running well. Knowing how engine oil works helps a lot. It makes your car run smoother and prevents big repair bills later.
Oil keeps parts moving smoothly and cools them down. It also catches dirt, keeping your engine clean. But, oil gets old and stops working well. Not changing oil can hurt your engine.
Understanding Engine Oil Functions
Engine oil does three main things: it lubricates, cools, and cleans. It makes parts move smoothly and reduces wear. It also keeps the engine cool and clean.
Changing oil regularly keeps these functions going strong. It helps your engine run better.
Consequences of Neglecting Oil Changes
Not changing oil can really hurt your car. It can make your engine wear out faster. This might mean you’ll need to spend a lot on repairs.
Dirty oil can also block important parts. The U.S. Department of Energy says oil changes can save you money on gas. Cars with regular oil changes last longer and cost less to maintain.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
It’s important to know when to change your car’s oil. Old rules said to change it every 3,000 miles. Now, most car makers say to do it every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Many things can change how often you need to change your oil.
Recommended Oil Change Intervals
New car tech and better oils mean you can go longer between oil changes. For most cars, you should change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Make sure to check the oil level every month and change it at least twice a year if you don’t drive much. Watch the oil’s color; if it gets dark, it’s time for a new one.
Factors Affecting Oil Change Frequency
Every car is different. Some things can make you need to change your oil more often:
- Driving habits: If you drive a lot in stop-and-go traffic or in extreme weather, you might need to change your oil more.
- Type of oil used: Synthetic oils can go longer than regular oils.
- Vehicle use: If you use your car for work, racing, off-roading, or towing heavy loads, you’ll need to change your oil more often.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Car
Choosing the right oil is key for your car’s performance and life. There are many options, and knowing the difference between synthetic and conventional oil is important. We also need to think about oil viscosity, which affects how well the oil moves in different temperatures.
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
Synthetic oil protects well in extreme temperatures and lasts longer than conventional oil. It’s great for high-performance and new cars. But, conventional oil is cheaper and works well for older cars or light driving.
It’s important to think about our driving and car needs when picking oil.
Oil Viscosity Explained
Knowing about oil viscosity helps us pick the right oil for changing temperatures. Viscosity is how thick the oil is and how it flows. Thicker oils are better in extreme temperatures, while thinner oils are better in cooler ones.
We can check our car’s manual or ask a pro to find the right viscosity for our car.
Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change
We all want our cars to run well. Knowing when to change the oil is key. It keeps the engine healthy and running smoothly.
Unusual Engine Noises
Strange sounds from the engine mean it might need oil. A quiet engine is a happy engine. But knocking or ticking sounds mean it’s time for a change.
Warning Lights on Your Dashboard
Dashboard lights tell us something’s up. The oil pressure light means it’s time for an oil change. Don’t ignore these lights to keep your engine running right.
The Oil Change Process Explained
Knowing how to change oil is key to keeping your car running well. Regular oil changes make your car go faster and last longer. Some people do it themselves, but getting a pro does it better.
Steps of an Oil Change
The oil change process has a few important steps. These steps help your engine run smoothly.
- Drain the old oil to remove dirt.
- Replace the oil filter to keep new oil clean.
- Add good oil, like Mobil 1 or Valvoline, that fits your car.
- Check other fluids and parts to make sure everything is okay.
DIY vs. Professional Oil Change
Changing oil yourself can be fun, but it’s not as good as a pro. Technicians at Heaven Automotive use the right oil and follow the car maker’s rules. They also check your car for 20 points for free. This makes sure your car is in top shape.
Our service takes just 10 minutes. We make it easy and keep your car running great.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are good for our cars. They make our cars run better and use less gas.
Improved Engine Performance
Oil changes keep our engines running smoothly. They help the engine work less hard. This means our cars won’t overheat or break down as often.
Not changing oil can cause big problems. It can make our cars wear out faster. But, if we change oil regularly, our cars will last longer.
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Oil changes also help our cars use less gas. The U.S. Department of Energy says they can save 1 to 2 percent. This is because clean oil makes the engine work better.
Also, clean oil stops dirt and sludge from building up. This keeps our cars running well. Changing oil often is a smart choice that saves money and makes our cars better.
Finding an Oil Change Service in San Antonio
Finding a good oil change service in San Antonio is key for your car’s health. Look for top-rated auto service centers. They should be reliable, expert, and make customers happy.
Top Rated Auto Service Centers
There are many places for an oil change in San Antonio. Bosch Auto Service is one, serving all car types. They offer both regular and synthetic oil changes.
These centers have certified techs who know the latest car tech. Many offer deals, so you get great service without spending too much.
What to Look for in a Service Provider
- Certified Technicians: Make sure techs are certified and know how to do oil changes well.
- Quality Products: Find places that use the best oil for your car.
- Comprehensive Services: Choose places that check your car thoroughly, not just change oil.
- Customer Reviews: Check what others say to see if the service is good.
Cost Factors for Oil Changes
The cost of oil changes can change a lot. This depends on the oil type and services. Knowing these costs helps us make good choices for our cars.
Average Prices for Different Oil Types
Conventional oil changes are usually cheaper than synthetic ones. Here are some average prices:
- Conventional oil changes: Cost between $20 and $55.
- Synthetic oil changes: Prices range from $45 to $70.
- Synthetic blend or high mileage oil changes: Prices are similar or a bit higher than conventional oils.
- Diesel oil changes: These are more expensive because diesel oil costs more.
For example, Firestone Complete Auto Care offers oil changes for as low as $29.99. This includes a new oil filter. They also have deals like $25 off for synthetic oil changes. This helps us save money.
Additional Services That May Be Included
Some places offer extra services with oil changes. These can be:
- Oil filter replacement.
- Tire rotation.
- Fluid checks and top-offs.
At Heaven Automotive, we are clear about our prices and services. Customers can save up to $50 with coupons and deals. Regular oil changes are key to keeping our cars running well. So, it’s good to know about these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Changes
Keeping your car in good shape means knowing about oil changes. People often ask how long an oil change takes and what happens if you wait too long. An oil change usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. But, it can take longer if there are delays.
It’s important to keep up with regular maintenance. This helps your engine last longer and work better.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
An oil change takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This time is needed to drain old oil and put in new oil. It’s key to keep your engine running smoothly.
Not changing oil regularly can cause problems. It can lead to your car not working well or getting damaged.
Can I Wait Longer Than Recommended?
Modern cars can go longer between oil changes than older ones. But, waiting too long can cause sludge buildup. This can hurt your engine’s performance.
Over time, oil can get dirty and need a full change. So, it’s best to follow the car maker’s advice for your car’s health.
