Oil Change
The Importance of Oil For Your Vehicle
Engine oil is a critical part of making sure your engine runs smoothly. It provides three key functions. First, it ensures engine components are working together smoothly. Second, the engine of a vehicle can be a hot place, and oil helps draw heat away from the combustion chamber. Third, it prevents carbon and varnishes from accumulating in the engine. If you do not get your oil changed regularly, buildup can accumulate in the cooler parts of the engine, which can result in sludge coming out of the old oil. This can lead to expensive engine cleaning and/or replacement engine parts. For ease and convenience, get your next Oil Change at Maclin Ford in Calgary, AB.
When to Change Your Oil
The general opinion on how often oil changes need to be done is every three months or 5,000 kms. Of course, this time/distance can vary depending on several factors. If a car is sitting idle and not being used very often there is less need to change the oil because the engine does not run as much as if you are driving a vehicle every day. Also, if you live somewhere hot, dry, and dusty oil changes need to be done more frequently than if you live somewhere cool and wet. Consulting your vehicle's manual is your best bet in figuring out how often your oil needs to be changed.
How to Check Your Oil
It is best to check your oil approximately once a month and always before and after long road trips to make sure there is enough oil and that it is not contaminated. It is a very simple process:
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean on a lint-free rag. The dipstick can be in different locations depending on the type of engine your vehicle has. Make sure the engine has been off for at least ten minutes so that it is cold.
- Insert the stick back into the pipe. If it gets stuck on the way in, turn it around. The pipe is naturally curved and the metal stick bends naturally in the direction of the pipe.
- Pull out the dipstick again and look at the film of oil on the tip. Ideally the oil should reach the full line as indicated on the stick. If there is little oil it is time to take your vehicle in for an oil change.
Most modern vehicles also have an alert on the dashboard that will let you know if your oil needs to be changed.
Get Your Oil Changes at Maclin Ford in Calgary, AB
Regular oil changes are one key component in vehicle maintenance. To keep your engine running smoothly, get your next Oil Change at Maclin Ford. Visit us today at 135 Glendeer Cir SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2S8 or give our service department a call at 403-539-8055 if you have any questions.