One of the things that many people ask is, “What is the number one thing I can do to prolong my car’s life?”
The answer is to change your oil. Because I work in the automotive industry, I probably pay more attention to the messages relating to auto repair than the average consumer. I think sometimes people tune out the radio, online and magazine ads because they are inundated with ads to come to certain places to have your oil changed.
If you asked your car, it would tell you to change its oil in the recommended increments with the recommended oil. It would tell you not to try to stretch your oil changes out too much, too often. Our family cars have a tendency to get in excess of 200,000 miles. Our 1999 Ford Expedition has 290,000+ miles on it. It went through three teenagers learning to drive and numerous biking and soccer trips. Sometimes it was not shown a whole lot of love in the maintenance department but it always, without fail, had the oil changed on time.
Oil changes have also changed from earlier times. There are many more types of oils and time increments. Sometimes it is confusing, even when reading your owner’s manual. I think it is important that if you have questions, you ask. You shouldn’t feel like you need to know car lingo to ask about car maintenance. “Please explain when, which oil, and why, I should change my oil?” is sufficient.
Make sure you talk to a certified automotive technician. Many of the old adages about changing your oil are no longer true. You need to ask questions of someone who stays current with the latest technology, oil technologies and filter improvements. You will get an educated answer and help your vehicle to stay on the road as long as possible.