When it comes to taking care of your vehicle, regular oil changes and fluid checks are essential. Not only do they help keep your engine running smoothly, but they can also prevent more expensive repairs in the long run.
By sticking to a routine maintenance schedule, you can avoid costly breakdowns and ensure your vehicle stays on the road for years to come.
In this article, you are going to learn all you need to know about oil changes and fluid checks.
Many car owners underestimate the importance of regular oil changes, but failing to do so can have serious consequences for your vehicle. Oil is what keeps your car’s engine lubricated and running smoothly.
Over time, oil becomes dirty and breaks down, losing its ability to keep your engine’s moving parts properly lubricated. When this happens, your engine can start to overheat and eventually seize up, causing expensive damage that could have been prevented with a simple oil change.
So, now that you understand why oil changes are necessary, how often should you be getting them?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your car’s make and model, your driving habits, and the type of oil you use.
Most car manufacturers generally recommend getting an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months. However, some cars can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, while others might need one every 2,000 miles.
Consult your car’s owner’s manual or check with your mechanic to find out what’s right for you.
Related: Car Maintenance 101: Easy Steps to Look After Your Vehicle
Another factor to consider is the type of oil your car uses. Many different types of oil are available on the market, including conventional, synthetic, and high mileage.
Talk to your mechanic about which type of oil is best for your car.
Now that you know the importance of oil changes and how often to get them, what are the benefits of doing so?
First and foremost, regular oil changes can keep your car’s engine running smoothly and prevent expensive damage down the line. They can also improve your car’s fuel efficiency, help reduce emissions, and prolong the lifespan of your engine.
And, if you’re looking to sell your car, a well-maintained engine with regular oil changes can increase its resale value.
Take the first step and find out your car’s true worth. Fill in two simple details and receive an instant cash offer today.
Getting an oil change is a relatively simple process that can be done at your local auto shop or dealership. You can also do it yourself if you’re comfortable working on cars.
To get an oil change at a shop, simply schedule an appointment and bring your car in.
The mechanic will drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill the oil with fresh, clean oil. The process usually only takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
As a rule, regular oil changes are a critical part of maintaining your car’s health and preventing costly repairs down the line.
By understanding why oil changes are necessary, how often to get them, and the benefits they provide, you can ensure that your car’s engine stays lubricated and running smoothly for years to come.
Now, let’s see which other fluids you must keep in check.
Cars are complex machines that rely heavily on fluids like oil, coolant, transmission oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and more to keep running smoothly. Not having enough of these fluids or having them contaminated can lead to serious issues, including engine failure.
Thankfully, you can avoid these costly repairs by simply knowing which fluids to check in the car as a routine part of your car maintenance.
First and foremost, regular fluid checks can help you identify leaks, low levels, and dirty fluids before they lead to larger problems.
Power steering fluid leaks can cause difficulty turning the wheel and eventually lead to damage to the power steering pump, which isn’t cheap. Checking brake fluid can help prevent brake fade and accidents that could have otherwise been avoided.
Fluids to check in car, like transmission and coolant, can prevent costly repairs.
If a transmission isn’t properly lubricated, it can cause friction and heat that can lead to serious damage, including the need for a complete replacement.
The same goes for your engine’s coolant. Running your engine without enough coolant could cause it to overheat and damage the components.
By regularly checking fluid levels, you can identify issues before they get worse, which is especially true when checking brake fluid.
Also Read: How to Look After a Car You Don’t Drive Regularly?
When checking fluids, always ensure the engine is cool and parked on level ground. Check the owner’s manual to determine the location of each fluid reservoir, as they might be in different areas on your make and model of car.
For every fluid, you will want to check both the level and the quality.
Fluid should be transparent and have the appropriate colour (different fluids have different colours).
If it appears cloudy or has a brownish colour, it may be time for a flush and replacement.
Remember that simply topping off low fluids isn’t always the best solution. It’s essential to understand why there is a low level, and if there’s a leak, has it been fixed to prevent further problems. If you do need to add fluid, only use the type specified in the owner’s manual, as using the wrong type can cause damage.
Keeping up with fluids to check in car is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle. Preventive maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and could keep your car running for many years.
If you’re not comfortable checking fluids yourself, always take your car in for regular maintenance at a trusted mechanic. By making a habit of checking your car’s fluids, you could prevent headaches down the road and keep your vehicle on the road.
So let’s recap the reasons for regular oil and fluid checks.
Your engine has a lot of moving parts that require proper lubrication to function efficiently. By changing your oil regularly, you provide fresh fluid that helps minimise friction and reduces wear and tear on internal components.
Without adequate lubrication, your engine may overheat, cause undue stress on critical engine parts and result in damage that’s costly to repair.
Further, oil changes also help to flush out any harmful contaminants that can accumulate over time, and these contaminants can cause severe damage if they accumulate in the engine.
Fluid checks are essential to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. Many fluids in your car play a critical role in keeping you and your passengers safe, such as checking brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.
Any of these fluids running low can significantly impair your car’s performance or, worse, cause a severe accident.
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your vehicle. Consistently checking and changing fluids is the key to preventing severe damage that can happen to your vehicle over time.
If you neglect fluid checks and ignore issues, they can lead to vital components wearing out much quicker than intended.
With oil changes, you keep your engine healthy and running smoothly, but it also extends the life of your transmission, steering, and other critical components. If your car lasts longer, it saves you money by delaying the need to invest in a new one.
While not having regular oil changes and fluid checks may seem like a money-saving option in the short term, it almost always costs you more in the long run. Neglecting these essential maintenance tasks can cause your vehicle to break down or require costly repairs.
Regularly checking brake fluid and other fluids, on the other hand, help you to identify issues before they cause significant damage and become unmanageable.
When you take care of your vehicle with regular maintenance, it provides peace of mind that everything’s running smoothly.
Knowing that your car is in good condition also means having the confidence that you won’t be stranded on the side of the road in an emergency. Regular maintenance on your vehicle is a proactive decision and saves both time and effort.
Regular oil changes and fluid checks are crucial not just for your car but also for you and your loved ones. These tasks help improve the performance, safety, and lifespan of your vehicle. It’s wise to avoid any significant problems before they arise by taking your vehicle for regular maintenance.
If you want to extend the life of your vehicle, save money and ensure the safety of you and your passengers, it’s essential to keep up with oil changes and fluid checks.
Request an instant car valuation and get a cash offer from a trusted buyer looking for a car just like yours.
Replacing the cambelt in the right intervals is an essential step of responsible car maintenance. There can be a lot of work involved in this, which means it’s often one of the most expensive, too. When the time comes to get a quote for this service, you may wonder what a fair timing belt replacement […]
Growing environmental concerns resulted in the creation of low emissions zones in major cities across Europe, and London is no exception. Before you venture into England’s thriving capital, you should know if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not. This will allow you to plan alternatives, or budget accordingly. Today, we’ll explore what the ULEZ […]
Are you planning a big family vacation to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. UK travellers can benefit a lot from understanding the new car rental procedures overseas. That’s precisely what we’re going to do today. We’re about to share […]
Electric cars are getting more and more popular among car buyers in the UK. Whether you already own an EV or are planning to buy one, you might still be unsure as to how long does it take to charge an electric car. Don’t worry, we got your back. After reading this article, you’ll know […]
In the UK, any car that drives on public roads needs to pass an annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure it remains safe and compliant with regulations. So, knowing when you need to bring your car in for testing is essential to avoid hefty fines or penalties. If you recently bought a new […]
Nobody likes having car problems, and few things are more inconvenient than breaking down on the side of the road. Knowing what are the most reliable cars you can buy will help you make an informed decision and have a trouble-free experience. But how do you quantify reliability? Defects and failures are part of car […]
Keeping your car seats spotless is essential to conserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. Cleaning the seats can also improve your driving comfort by getting rid of stale odours, for example, to remove vape smell from the car. Are you looking for a practical, hands-on guide on how to clean car seats? […]
Insurance costs make up a significant part of car ownership expenses, especially for younger drivers. Choosing a car that is cheap to insure can lead to considerable savings in the long term. If you are a budget-conscious buyer and want to know what the best cheap cars to insure in the UK are, you have […]
Who isn’t worried that a thief may strike and deprive you of your pride and joy? No matter how much your car is worth, nobody wants the trouble of having their property stolen. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this, and that is to install a car tracker. These sophisticated devices aren’t just about theft […]
Whether you are a resident of the United Kingdom or visiting from abroad, renting a car is a great option to give you the freedom you need for your travels. While this is normally a simple process, young drivers looking to rent a car face a unique set of challenges before they can get behind […]
Having a car is one of the greatest conveniences in life, but it needs maintenance to run well. Regular servicing helps to prevent sudden breakdowns and elongates the life and efficiency of your vehicle too. While some tasks are best left to skilled and experienced mechanics, there are several things you can do yourself to […]
Are your windshield wipers making that dreaded screeching noise or leaving streaks across your view? Don’t you wish they could last a bit longer before needing to be replaced? You’re not alone! Wipers are one of those parts on a car that are often forgotten about until you really need them-like during a sudden rainstorm […]
Car tyres are one of those things we rarely think about until we need to replace them. But, have you ever thought about the lifespan of a car tyre? In this guide, we are going to walk you through the life expectancy of car tyres. The factors that influence their durability, and some tips on […]
A semi-automatic car, also referred to as a semi-auto or an automated manual transmission (AMT) vehicle, merges the features of both manual and automatic transmissions. The unique aspect of semi-automatic cars is their ability to function like an automatic vehicle, while also offering the driver the option to manually change gears without the need for […]
Are you looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a big purchase? Your car might just hold the key to achieving those financial goals. There are many ways to earn money from your car besides working as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will […]
If you are planning to sell your car, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever before to advertise your vehicle online. From classified ads to social media, you have a lot of options to reach potential buyers and sell your car quickly. In today’s modern world, most car buyers have […]
If you’re looking to buy a car you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback” quite a few times which is often confused with other types of cars. So what exactly is a hatchback car? And how does it differ from other types of cars? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Hatchback Vehicle? […]
If you’re in the market for buying or selling a used car, understanding car categories can be helpful. One such category is Cat D, or Category D, cars. These are vehicles that have been previously classified as “damaged” but have since been repaired and made roadworthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into the details […]
When it comes to purchasing a car, the outright cash purchase is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of available finance options. In today’s market, car buyers are presented with an assortment of car finance solutions, each with its unique advantages and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a business owner in […]
When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors is its mileage. Mileage refers to the distance that a vehicle has travelled since it was first manufactured. The lower the mileage, the newer and more reliable a car is presumed to be. But what exactly is considered good mileage for […]