Maintaining your car oil is vital if you want to maximise the lifespan of your vehicle. Car oil is one of the most essential fluids in your engine. It is responsible for keeping all the internal mechanisms in your engine running smoothly. Good engine oil lubricates the engine parts while driving and helps to effectively absorb the heat produced by the friction.

Checking your engine oil regularly is essential to helping extend the lifespan of your vehicle and help to ensure it runs optimally for the years to come. 

Types of engine oil

The make, model and age of your vehicle, as well as your manufacturer’s guidelines, will determine what type of oil you should use.

With three main types of oil to choose from, it may be beneficial to take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic to discuss the oil best suited for your car before commencing any at-home oil changes.

Synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is the most common type of motor oil. It is the longest-lasting car oil available and on average, will only need to be changed every 10,000kms. With high heat resistance and high oxidation properties, it is likely your vehicle will run on synthetic engine oil.

Mineral oil   

If you drive a vintage or classic vehicle, you may opt for mineral car oil. This type of oil has a lower heat resistance and lower oxidation than synthetic oil, which means it will need to be replaced every 5,000kms on average. The reduced viscosity of synthetic oils can increase the chance of engine leaks in older cars.

Semi-synthetic oil 

Semi-synthetic oil is a combination of synthetic and mineral oils. This oil type is used in a variety of new and older vehicles that require a mixture of properties in order to drive efficiently. This type of oil is great for vehicles that operate under heavy loads or are on the road for extended periods of time.

Why you should change your oil regularly

Changing car oil regularly helps to minimise the impact of general wear and tear on your vehicle. Your car’s oil will collect dirt and grime over time. Debris can build up and become thicker, creating a sludge in your engine that will offer significantly worse lubrication. This increase in friction will wear parts much faster and has the potential to seize moving parts.

Additionally, car oil breaks down over time due to the constant exposure to heat. As a result, your old engine oil becomes less effective at transferring heat away from the motor effectively.  which will then cause you to use more petrol by putting added strain on the engine.

Changing engine oil regularly helps ensure your oil is clean and less likely to break down as you drive.

When and how to change oil

Assessing your car oil levels is a quick and easy process that everyone can do themselves at home. To ensure your engine oil is in a good condition, it is recommended that you inspect your oil levels every month. This allows you to get a good understanding of how your engine uses oil and assess whether it is running low. If the oil level is lower than you expected, this may be a sign that your car may require a proper inspection by a qualified mechanic.

To check and change your car oil:

1. Give the oil time to settle by turning the car off for at least five minutes.
2. Carefully unscrew the oil cap which can be found at the top of your engine.
3. Take the dipstick out.
4. Clean the dipstick by wiping it with an old cloth.
5. Lower the dipstick back into the engine oil.
6. Remove the dipstick to assess where your oil levels are. The dipstick will have a full line which signifies that your oil levels are sufficient. At this stage, check that the oil is still clean and hasn’t turned into sludge. If it has, you will have to replace the oil. 
7. If the oil is still clean and lower than the full line, top up with the right type until the dipstick shows it is full. 

Although this is a relatively simple process, many car owners prefer to leave it to the experts. Professional mechanics can perform a quick change oil service for your peace of mind, completing it to help keep your car in the best condition possible.

Your local car oil experts

Hi-Mech Auto Solutions is a member of the Bosch Car Service Network, which means we complete all our mechanical work to the highest standards, in line with strict operations guidelines. Our change oil service is backed by a nationwide guarantee, giving you the peace of mind that no matter where you are, your car will be back on the road in no time.

To get your car oil levels checked, or have a chat, give the experienced team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions a call today on (07) 7517 0121. Alternatively, you can use our simple online booking form and we will be in touch.