Oil Change 101: Your Top Questions, Answered

An oil change is one of the most basic ways you can keep your vehicle running optimally. Whether you’re a brand new driver or you’re a seasoned veteran on the road, you know that keeping up with this simple maintenance practice is crucial. Although you may know that it’s one of your top responsibilities, you may have more questions when it comes to oil changes and what the process entails. When you’re searching for an “oil change near me” and want to be sure that you’re partnering with a reputable team that will help you take care of your car for years, Romeoville Toyota wants to help with some of the most common questions we hear about an oil change.

Q. What Happens During an Oil Change?

A. An oil change is a regularly scheduled maintenance service that helps to ensure the integrity of your vehicle’s engine. During this service, a certified technician will drain the existing oil and replace the filter to make sure that it’s still working to remove the impurities from the oil. The filter needs to be replaced due to the fact that clogged filters are no longer able to do their job of filtering out any debris from the oil before it goes into the engine. New oil will then replace the old oil that was drained from the engine, and depending on where you take your car in for service, other services may be performed as well. These services may include checking tire pressure, monitoring fluids, and performing an overall diagnostic check of the vehicle.

Q. What Are the Benefits of Regular Oil Changes?

A. Clean oil allows your car’s engine to run at its best, which is why staying on top of routine maintenance, like oil changes, is highly advised. As time progresses, your oil gets dirtier and your oil filter gets more clogged. When not properly taken care of, a build-up of debris and sludge can form inside your engine, which can have a devastating impact if not addressed. In scheduling regular oil changes, you get to enjoy a smoother ride, increased fuel efficiency, and more dependability in your travels. The last thing you want is to risk a breakdown or, worse, an unsafe driving situation, which makes it a no-brainer to take your vehicle in for regular oil changes.

Q. How Often Do I Need an Oil Change?

A. This will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. It’s true, however, that many newer models require less frequent maintenance, with some models being able to travel upwards of 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, but again, this will depend on the vehicle. It’s important to refer to your owner’s manual for proper oil change intervals, as well as take into consideration your driving habits. Regular travelers and those who engage in towing and hauling may need more frequent oil changes due to the additional wear and tear they are putting on their vehicle. Here at Romeoville Toyota, our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you may have about your particular vehicle’s maintenance, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Q. How Do I Know If I Need an Oil Change?

A. For some drivers, scheduling an oil change means adhering to the intervals set by the automaker. For instance, this may occur every 5,000 or 7,500 miles, and some newer vehicles may even have an alert system in place to let drivers know when the time has come to schedule service. If you don’t follow those regular intervals, there are telltale signs that your oil needs to be replaced, which can include a noticeable decrease in performance, as well as the “check engine” light illuminating on your dash. You may also notice that your oil is dirty when you check it, or there’s heavier exhaust smoke coming out of your vehicle, which can signify that something is amiss with your engine.

Q. Is It Better to Change Your Own Oil?

A. You may think that changing your own oil will save you some cash, but it may end up costing you in the end. Unless you’re a certified technician, you run the risk of damaging your engine, especially if you’re unsure about how the process works and which oil your vehicle requires. When you bring your car in for service at a reputable service center, you won’t have to deal with the mess or the stress, as certified techs know exactly what services need to be performed and how to do so properly for your particular car. Plus, in most cases, an oil change service incorporates more than just an oil and filter change, as fluid levels, tire inspections, and more are addressed when you bring your car to a professional service center.

Q. Can I Just Add Oil Instead of Changing It?

A. If you’re confident in your abilities to change your own oil, you may be wondering if it’ll be simpler just to add new oil to the old oil and move on with your day. This is absolutely not advised and will only end up damaging your engine. You see, mixing new oil with old, dirty oil is a recipe for disaster, as you’re not getting rid of the debris in the system. The only way to ensure proper lubrication of your engine and its components is to completely remove the old oil and replace it with clean oil.

Q. What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

A. By now, you may be aware that one of the main responsibilities of oil is to lubricate your engine and its parts, and as oil gets dirtier and older, it loses its ability to do so properly. That’s why oil changes are required to keep your engine fully lubricated and your vehicle running at its best. When you go too long without an oil change, your engine isn’t lubricated adequately, which may result in it overworking and thus overheating. Eventually, this will result in costly repairs to fix the damage that was caused by failing to keep up with simple maintenance. You also decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, as your engine is working overtime due to the fact that your oil isn’t able to do its job.

Q. What Type of Oil Do I Need?

A. You do have a choice when it comes to the particular type of oil that goes into your vehicle; however, it’s strongly recommended to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the automaker. Some vehicles will require specific oil, so it’s important to know which oil is right for your vehicle, which is made easier by taking it into an experienced service center instead of going about this on your own. Synthetic oil is an industry favorite, as this type of oil tends to last much longer, resulting in more time between oil changes and giving your engine better protection.

Your Oil Change Experience Matters

Not all service centers are created equal, and you may be surprised to know that not all technicians are as well-versed in your vehicle as they should be, which makes your choice obvious. When you want the most reliable service available, the team at Romeoville Toyota is here to be your go-to one-stop-shop for all of your vehicle needs. From regular oil changes to other routine maintenance, repairs, modifications, and more, you can’t go wrong with our experienced service technicians. You want to keep your vehicle running at its peak for years, and one of the best ways to do this is to have the dependable team at Romeoville Toyota standing behind you, offering you the best services in the industry.