Oil Change in Columbus, Ohio

Regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. Engine oil acts as a lubricant for all the moving parts in your car’s engine, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Over time, however, oil breaks down and becomes less effective due to exposure to high temperatures and contaminants such as dirt and debris.

If left unchanged, old oil can cause serious damage to your engine by increasing friction between parts, leading to overheating and decreased performance. Routine oil changes, on the other hand, ensure that your engine is always well-lubricated and running at optimal levels.

Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

While regular oil changes are recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months (whichever comes first), certain signs indicate you may need an oil change sooner. These include:

• Engine warning light: The check engine light on your dashboard can indicate various issues with your vehicle, including low oil pressure or dirty oil.
• Loud engine noises: If you hear loud knocking or tapping sounds coming from your engine, it could be a sign of low oil levels or old, dirty oil.
• Dark and gritty oil: Checking your oil levels and appearance regularly can indicate when it needs to be changed. Old oil will appear dark and gritty, indicating that it has reached the end of its lifespan.

What to Expect From a Professional Oil Change

During their oil change service, your mechanic will:

• Change your car’s motor oil with the recommended type of oil by your manufacturer
• Replace the oil filter to ensure that your engine is not being clogged by debris and contaminants
• Inspect other vital components, such as belts and hoses, to check for any potential issues
• Dispose of old oil responsibly

Why Oils Break Down?

Normally, oils become less effective over time due to continuous exposure to heat, moisture, and contaminants. These elements cause the oil to degrade, making it less effective in protecting your engine’s components. Additionally, as the oil breaks down, it also becomes contaminated with tiny particles and debris that can cause damage if not removed regularly.

The following are some parts used in pumping oil around the engine:

• Oil pan: This collects oil from the bottom of the engine
• Oil pump: Sucks oil out of the pan and pushes it through a filter, which removes contaminants
• Oil Filter: Prevents solid objects from entering the engine’s lubrication system
• Oil galleries: Channels that allow oil to flow around the engine and reach all necessary areas

Tips on How to Check Your Car’s Oil

• Park your car in a level spot and wait for the engine to cool down before checking your oil.
• Locate the dipstick, typically with a brightly colored handle, near the engine block.
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel.
• Reinsert the dipstick all the way in and pull it out again. Look at where the oil stops on the stick; this is your current oil level.
• If it falls below or close to the “add” line, you may need to add more oil. If it’s above the “full” line, too much oil can also cause issues. It’s best to keep your oil level between the two lines.
• Check the oil’s color and consistency. If it appears dark and gritty or smells burnt, it’s time for a change.

While some drivers can perform oil changes themselves, it’s still best to leave it to the professionals for a thorough check and proper disposal of old oil. With Mobile Mechanic Pros of Columbus, Ohio, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car’s oil change has been done correctly while also saving time by having our professional technicians come to you instead of going to a service center.

Contact us today for all your vehicle maintenance needs!

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