Avoid Costly Repairs With Regular Oil Changes

When was the last time you had your vehicle’s oil changed? If the answer is more than 10,000 miles ago or you can’t even remember, it’s time to see the team at Japanese Auto Service. 

Keeping your oil at appropriate levels and scheduling regular oil changes are crucial steps to avoiding any troubles on the road and keeping your car running efficiently. 

Most car manufacturers recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Some newer vehicles can go longer between changes, but it all depends on your vehicle make and model, how much you’re driving and the type of oil you use. 

Scheduling your next oil change while you’re at the shop, keeping the reminder sticker in your window or setting an alarm on your phone can help you stay on schedule. While you may find yourself visiting the service center more often than before, the time and money spent will likely end up saving you more in the long run.  

Remember, some vehicles are equipped with a Maintenance Reminder Indicator light, which signals when it’s time for an oil and filter change or inspection based on mileage since the last service. This light is different from the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light. These other warning lights are not maintenance reminders but indicate a malfunction within the engine control system. If either of these lights appears, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a service center for a diagnostic inspection.

What happens if you don’t change your oil? 

Your primary worry of missed oil changes  is the long-lasting damage that degraded oil quality and levels can cause. As oil degrades over time, it loses its lubricating properties, becoming dirty and thick and can cause wear to key components of your engine, specifically your pistons, crankshaft and camshaft bearing surfaces . It can also cause carbon build up on valves and on the piston rings that can make it harder for your engine to operate properly. 

You may experience poor vehicle performance if oil changes are neglected long enough, such as slow acceleration and reduced fuel efficiency, excessive oil consumption and eventual engine failure. 

Routine oil changes are your key to avoiding unexpected and often costly repairs. 

Not sure if you’re due for an oil change? Give your trusted service team at Japanese Auto Service a call and we can give it a check.