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Essential Guide to Oil and Fluid Changes at Autobahn Automotive Service
The engine is very sensitive and it is important to keep it healthy if you want your car to last long and perform efficiently. Of all the maintenance tasks, one of the most important is oil and fluid changes.
Here at Autobahn Automotive Service, we know that proper fluids are crucial for the condition of your vehicle, and for its fuel economy and general health. Our professional services will ensure that your vehicle remains as reliable and safe to use as it was from the beginning. Some of the brands we service include:
How to Know When Your Car Needs an Oil or Fluid Change
- Dashboard Lights: If you see that the oil pressure or the check light is on, it is high time you check the oil.
- Engine Noise: When there is no adequate supply of oil to the metal parts of your engine you will start hearing a knocking sound or other noises; this may be due to low oil level or the oil has become dirty and cannot protect the engine parts.
- Exhaust Smoke: If the exhaust is dark or it is emitting lots of smoke, this could be a sign that your oil is old or contaminated and should be changed.
- Oil Consistency: New oil is often free of any particles and it has an amber color. If the oil you are using is dark or sludgy, it is high time you change it.
- Poor Performance: Dirt in the oil can cause your engine to have to work much harder, and this will be easily noticeable through a decrease in performance or fuel efficiency.
Oil and Fluid Change FAQs
What are the factors that define the right time to change the oil?
There are several factors that determine when to have your oil changed. For instance, short trips or stop-and-go driving will put more stress on the oil, as compared to highway driving which is less stressful on both the engine and the oil. High heat and intense cold can also alter the oil’s viscosity and make it degrade faster, which means you have to get the oil changed more often. Also, vehicles with more mileage are likely to consume more oil due to wear and tear and low efficiency of the combustion process.
Which fluids should be checked and replaced in a vehicle?
Apart from the engine oil, several other fluids also need to be checked. They include brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluid. Ensure that these fluids are topped up to the right level in your car and are also in the right condition so that you can achieve better overall performance of the vehicle.
What are the consequences of delaying an oil change?
As we all know, skipping an oil change means you are inviting trouble to your engine. When an oil change is delayed, the oil may oxidize and turn into sludge, it will lose its ability to lubricate the engine which will result in friction, and the engine overheats and fails. An oil change is very essential in avoiding expensive repairs.
How long is it possible to drive without changing the oil?
The time interval that most car owners with vehicles using synthetic oil should adhere to is approximately between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Although this is a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that one consult the owner’s manual or seek advice from a reputable mechanic to determine a more precise interval based on the conditions of the car and driving styles.
Does the filter get changed during an oil change?
Yes, the oil filter is usually changed when the oil is changed. It has the responsibility of filtering all the contaminants and ensuring that the oil is clean at all times. A new filter guarantees that your fresh oil remains fresh for a longer period.
Is it possible to add more engine oil without removing the old oil?
Yes, you can add to the oil if it is low but this is not the same thing as changing the oil. Adding new oil to the old one does not get rid of debris that has settled at the bottom of the old oil. Oil change is always better.
If your car is due for an oil change, don’t wait till it becomes a big issue that requires a lot of money to fix. Come to our skilled team at Autobahn Automotive in San Antonio, TX, and let us sort it out for you. If you do not change your oil as you should then there will be a build-up of sludge in your engine and if that goes on long enough it can block or affect engine performance. These complications can be avoided easily by having your oil changed on time by experienced personnel. Our ASE-certified technicians have been delivering the best care to drivers in areas including Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills. Visit our auto shop in San Antonio today and get the kind of service that you and your car need.