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We change your oil and oil filter... Lube chassi (where applicable)... Top off fluids and inspect condition of
transmission fluid... Inspect belts, hoses and air filter... Check tire pressure and wear.
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Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on
the inside. A car’s motor oil becomes contaminated by
substances such as dust, metallic shavings, condensation, and
even antifreeze. Plus, additive packages contained in some
motor oils break down over time and also act as contaminants.
As contaminants are whipped into the oil, sludge forms
which adheres to engine parts, causing an engine to perform
less efficiently. Left long enough, sludge can cause permanent
engine damage.
An oil filter’s job is to sift out
contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine
without restriction. When the oil filter becomes full or
"clogged," the oil and contaminants will flow around the
filter. This "bypassing" is a safety mechanism. As far as your
engine is concerned, dirty oil is better than none at all!
However, when bypassing occurs, contaminants enter the engine.
This reduces fuel economy, increases emissions and can
potentially lead to engine failure. Engine breakdowns also
create safety hazards on the highway.
How often should
oil and oil filters be changed? The best advice is to follow
the guidelines provided in the vehicle owner’s manual, but
"every 3,000 miles or 3 months" is a good rule of thumb. Many
car manufacturers today are recommending extended oil drain
intervals for some drivers. However, if you regularly make
short trips in your car, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle
for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions,
tow a trailer or live in a cold-weather region, you probably
won’t qualify. Read carefully your car manufacturer’s
instructions. Also keep in mind that all oil is not the same... Synthetic oil lasts longer than
regular motor oil. Regular motor oil breaks down sooner and fails to protect internal engine
components, thus needing changed more often.
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