Oil Change

The Process of An Oil Change

Though oil changes are part of routine maintenance, the process may seem foreign to some Ohioans. It's no problem for us at Hometown Ironton; we're always ready for an oil change. We'll walk you through the basic process of an oil change to give you a better picture of what we do during one.

First, the hood needs to be opened to check the dipstick. It gets wiped before being dipped to determine how sludgy the oil has become and the oil level. If the oil level is low or sludgy, it's time to change it. An oil change is done by draining the old oil out of the bottom of the car. Next, a bottle or two of up to five quarts of fresh oil are opened and poured in using a funnel. After this, the car's motor oil has been successfully changed, keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently for some time. Remember that we'll often also change the vehicle's oil filter in this process.

What is a Full-Service Motor Oil Change?

A full-service oil change incorporates all of the regular parts of an oil change with a quick preventative maintenance check involved as well. Here, your mechanic will look for any worn parts in addition to changing the motor oil. A full-service oil change can include checking the tires' tread depth for a potential tire rotation, the air filter for a replacement, wipers for a wiper fluid top-off, and various other odds and ends done as a regular check-up for your vehicle.

What Type of Oil is Right for Me: Conventional vs Synthetic Oil?

From high mileage oil to synthetic blend oil to full synthetic oil, there's a range of motor oils to choose from, and it's not always clear which one of the main types is the right oil for you. Although full synthetic is consistently smoother than others, many motors won't benefit from the added performance and engine protection that it provides. However, if you're driving a car with a turbocharger or a high-performance car, you'll want it. Many drivers opt for a synthetic oil change regardless of what they do, and who can blame them? A full synthetic oil change generally has the reputation of being of higher quality than conventional oil changes.

Generally, it's best to go with the suggestion of oil from your vehicle manufacturer. You can find these suggestions in the owner's manual, Google it, or ask your mechanic too! There are a few exceptions to this rule. One significant exception is if the vehicle has high mileage, usually above 75,000, in which case a high mileage motor oil should be used to protect the car from different issues and engine conditions that occur at higher mileage.

How Often Do I Need an Oil Change?

Do I need to get my oil changed every 3,000-4,500 miles? Many Ohioans are curious about making the right decisions for their car but do not want to get an oil change service more than is needed. The best bet for determining how often you need an oil change is to look in the owner's manual. There, you can find exactly when to get your oil changed based on the manufacturer's recommendation. If you don't have your owner's manual for whatever reason, it can be easy to look the manufacturer's recommendation up online as well.

If you're looking for a general rule about oil changes beyond your car's requirements, the best bet is to have one about every 7,500 miles. Why is this wild difference from the conventional standard of 3,000? That standard recommendation was likely set up by quick-change oil shops and regular mechanics to drum up business. Modern engines simply don't require you to get your next oil change that frequently. There are, however, exceptions to this rule.

Extenuating circumstances

Exceptions happen. Below, you'll find some of the most common exceptions to when you should get an oil change. Double-check to make sure that, if these apply to you, you get your oil changed with the right frequency and keep your car healthy for a long time.

Car Warranty and Oil Changes

Your oil change frequency can be altered if you have a new car that's under warranty as well. When your vehicle is under warranty, it's imperative to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you don't void that warranty. Nobody wants to pay for repairs out of pocket. At Hometown Ironton, we're here to help you find exactly how to follow that warranty schedule if you need it.

Extreme Conditions

When driving your car in different ways or different conditions, the way the oil works with the engine is altered. It doesn't always work the same way. Contrary to what you may think, short trips and stop-and-go driving can create stress on the engine – these can lower the oil's viscosity and create extra friction and war wear. Heat operates differently, but if you find you're driving a lot when there's hot weather, you'll want more frequent oil changes as well for slightly different reasons.

Auto Service at Hometown Ironton: The Hometown Advantage

As you can see, this seemingly simple process of getting your oil changed has a lot that goes into it. We're here to help at Hometown Ironton. If you think you're ready for your next oil change near Ironton, OH, give us a call and see if it's the right time for one at 380-219-9547. We're also happy to help with any of your other service needs at Hometown Ironton. Our expert mechanics are here to save you time and money while extending the life of your car. Whether it's something as simple as an oil change, or even something like suspension or body work, we're here for it. We're also not limited to working on any make or model of car either! When you're ready to schedule your next oil change or other service appointment, you can do it via phone at 380-219-9547, or you can schedule your next service appointment online.