Debunking 4 Common Myths About Vehicle Oil Changes
Posted on: 7 August 2015
You know that having your car's oil changed as needed is an important aspect of keeping your vehicle's engine running smoothly. However, there are many myths floating around out there about car oil changes. By understanding the truth behind these common myths, you can make better decisions regarding your car's maintenance and possibly prolong the life of your engine in the process.
Myth 1: Always Obey the Sticker
You know the drill; you get your oil changed, and the mechanics slap a sticker on your windshield indicating when you're due for your next oil change. Usually, that's 3,000 miles or a few months after your oil change. These days, however, engine oils have come far enough in their development that most cars can go much longer than 3,000 miles without the need for an oil change. Check your car's owner manual for the correct mileage.
Myth 2: Dark Oil Means Dirty Oil
Another common myth floating around out there about oil changes is that, if your engine's oil is dark in color, it needs to be changed right away. Engine oil should be clear, right? Not necessarily. Dark engine oil is perfectly fine as long as its consistency is smooth. If you begin to see sludge in your engine oil when testing it with the dipstick, this is when you should take it in to be changed.
Myth 3: Oil Additives Help Your Engine
There are all kinds of oil additives on the market these days that claim to extend the life of your engine and enhance your vehicle's performance. However, the truth is that most engine oils manufactured these days already have plenty of additives in them, so you shouldn't need to add any for yourself. Save yourself the money and hassle by simply using a high quality engine oil in the first place.
Myth 4: Stay Away From Synthetic Oils
Finally, you may have heard that synthetic oils make your car more prone to oil leaks, but this isn't the case these days. It may have been true several decades ago (when these oils were known to cause problems with seals and gaskets), but today's synthetic oils have been specifically formulated to avoid these potential issues. So if you like using a synthetic oil on your engine, there's absolutely no need to worry or let anybody tell you that you need to switch to another type of engine oil. Contact a place like Terwood Auto Repair to learn more.
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