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Elk River Tire & Auto

If you want to know the most cost-effective and essential way to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, remember to take care of oil changes. Even with the oil light on the dashboard, some mechanics often see vehicles with damaged or dirty engines because their owners didn’t know what oil to use or waited too long between oil changes. Engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes.

Here are 5 Interesting Facts About Oil Changes that Every Vehicle Owners Should Know:

  1. The purpose of oil. Oil lubricates the parts of the engine so they don’t grind against each other; it keeps the engine from overheating; and it carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog up the engine parts. 
  2. Determine the right oil change interval. The oil change interval required for your vehicle will vary depending on its age, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. The 3,000 mile oil change is not relevant as in years gone by. With today’s upgraded oils, the oil change interval for most engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Or, you could go as far as 15,000 miles between services if you use full-synthetic oil! 
  3. Dashboard warning light. Drivers should not rely on the dashboard warning light before changing the oil. Some dashboard lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. In some cars, that light might not come on until the engine is already too low on oil. 
  4. Temperature affects oil. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAW) has developed designations for oil that indicate the viscosity of the oil, for example, 10-30W oil. The "10W" corresponds to the lower viscosity when the engine is cold. The "30" refers to the higher viscosity when the engine is hot and running normally. Certain motor oils are designed to be thinner (less viscous) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot. 
  5. Difference between conventional, premium, and synthetic oils. Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines typically use conventional oils. Premium oils offer extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. Blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are often used for trucks and SUVs. Ask your mechanic for recommendations on what is best for your vehicle.

Tip to Remember: To make sure you are taking good care of your vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations stated in your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil to use and the appropriate interval for your specific vehicle.

Looking for a quality oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto to find out about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.

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There are five important and interesting facts about oil changes that vehicle owners should know. Ask your auto shop about their oil change coupons.

If you want to know the most cost-effective and essential way to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, remember to take care of oil changes. Even with the oil light on the dashboard, some mechanics often see vehicles with damaged or dirty engines because their owners didn’t know what oil to use or waited too long between oil changes. Engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes.

Here are 5 Interesting Facts About Oil Changes that Every Vehicle Owners Should Know:

  1. The purpose of oil. Oil lubricates the parts of the engine so they don’t grind against each other; it keeps the engine from overheating; and it carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog up the engine parts. 
  2. Determine the right oil change interval. The oil change interval required for your vehicle will vary depending on its age, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. The 3,000 mile oil change is not relevant as in years gone by. With today’s upgraded oils, the oil change interval for most engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Or, you could go as far as 15,000 miles between services if you use full-synthetic oil! 
  3. Dashboard warning light. Drivers should not rely on the dashboard warning light before changing the oil. Some dashboard lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. In some cars, that light might not come on until the engine is already too low on oil. 
  4. Temperature affects oil. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAW) has developed designations for oil that indicate the viscosity of the oil, for example, 10-30W oil. The "10W" corresponds to the lower viscosity when the engine is cold. The "30" refers to the higher viscosity when the engine is hot and running normally. Certain motor oils are designed to be thinner (less viscous) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot. 
  5. Difference between conventional, premium, and synthetic oils. Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines typically use conventional oils. Premium oils offer extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. Blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are often used for trucks and SUVs. Ask your mechanic for recommendations on what is best for your vehicle.

Tip to Remember: To make sure you are taking good care of your vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations stated in your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil to use and the appropriate interval for your specific vehicle.

Looking for a quality oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto to find out about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.

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Kerry Bannister
Elk River Tire & AutoAuto Repair Shop in Elk River, MN

$$$

690 Dodge Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330763-441-2889service@elkrivertireandauto.com
Mon:7:30am - 6:00pm
Tue:7:30am - 6:00pm
Wed:7:30am - 6:00pm
Thu:7:30am - 6:00pm
Fri:7:30am - 6:00pm
Sat:8:00am - 4:00pm
Sun:Closed
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