Oil Change: How Often Should You Have One?
If you’re like most motorists in Texas, maximizing the lifespan of your car or truck is a high priority. But one of the most effective methods to get years of service from your vehicle is so simple that it can be surprisingly easy to overlook. By getting regular oil changes from a reputable shop like Driver’s Edge, you can keep your car in great shape while saving money in the long run.
Of course, if your goal is to get the most out of your oil change service, you’ll need to know when to have it done. Changing your oil too often can be an unnecessary expense, while going too long between oil changes can have serious consequences. Read on for Driver’s Edge’s guide to building the best oil change schedule for your needs.
The Key Factors in Oil Change Scheduling
Have you heard people say that you need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles? There’s a reason this recommendation has become standard advice—it’s a good rule of thumb for most drivers. Just don’t cause problems for yourself by assuming it applies equally to every situation. You’ll also need to consider some other factors, such as:
Your Vehicle’s Age
If you’re driving a newer car, you’re in luck—modern engine designs can use oil more efficiently than their older counterparts. Along with this, a vehicle’s ability to use oil decreases over time due to the effects of debris and metal filings. That means you may need oil change service more frequently with an older car, but an engine flush can provide temporary relief.
How You Drive
Are you a severe driver? That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything wrong, just that your driving habits are putting extra strain on your vehicle. Severe driving isn’t rare—everything from driving long-distance at speeds below 50 mph to traveling on dirt roads falls into this category. If this sounds like you, consider getting oil changes at twice the standard recommended rate.
Extreme Temperatures
Cold weather isn’t typically something you need to worry about when you live in Dallas or Fort Worth. However, it’s essential to take seriously the effects of extreme heat on your vehicle.
Your Oil Preference
While getting your oil changed, you’ll need to decide between conventional or synthetic oil. Conventional oil can help you cut down on initial expenses, but you’ll need to replace it more often. Meanwhile, a full synthetic oil change may seem pricey, but your vehicle will be able to go longer until it needs another oil change.
To figure out when your Dallas-area vehicle needs an oil change, start with the “standard” three months/3,000 miles. Then, adjust your oil change schedule based on the factors listed above. If you’re having trouble figuring this out, feel free to ask our team members for help!
What to Know About Checking Oil
Are you not sure how your car’s oil is performing? Luckily, there’s an easy way to get feedback on this—just do an oil check! Even if you haven’t done this before, you’ll be able to get the hang of it in no time.
The oil checking process can vary based on the age of your vehicle. Newer cars tend to have a built-in monitoring system to help drivers keep track of their oil’s condition. While people driving older cars will have to check their oil manually, this isn’t a complicated process once you know how it works.
First, park your car; then, allow it to cool down before turning it off. When it’s parked, look for its dipstick under the hood in the oil reservoir. Remove the dipstick, wipe off any leftover oil, and put it back in. When you pull it out a second time, you’ll be able to measure your vehicle’s current oil level. Ideally, this level should be between a cross-hatched area or two marks on the dipstick—if it’s not, set up an oil change if you don’t already have one scheduled.
How to Find a Shop for Oil Change Service
Since Dallas-Fort Worth is a major metropolitan area, quite a few businesses offer oil changes to local drivers. Instead of giving equal consideration to every auto shop nearby, make life easier for yourself by knowing what to look for when you need oil change service.
Cheap Oil Change Prices (And More)
There’s nothing wrong with looking for a shop that can give you a cheap oil change. After all, taking care of a vehicle can get expensive—why not save money where you can? Just keep in mind that some shops include more services in their oil changes than others. Instead of only looking for the lowest price available, doing some research can help you get the best value available.
You’ll get new oil and filters, belt and hose inspection, and fluid refills as part of any basic oil change. But that’s just the beginning: If you play your cards right, you can get considerably more bang for your buck. Some shops will also deliver additional services as part of a full synthetic oil change or conventional oil change, such as in-depth vehicle inspections, tire rotations, or chassis lubrication.
The key to finding a great oil change deal that includes the services you want is picking the right type of company for the job. If you usually go to a drive-thru oil change business, you should know the convenience they provide might not make up for the relatively limited services most offer. However, a dedicated auto shop like Driver’s Edge can give your car the attention it deserves.
Knowledgeable Employees
Perhaps even more important than knowing what an auto shop can do for your car is knowing who’s doing it. For oil change service you can trust, make an effort to find an auto shop that employs highly qualified technicians. Of course, no business is going to advertise that its employees aren’t up to their customers’ standards—so you’ll need some way to figure out how good a shop’s workers are for yourself.
One great way to ensure you receive the quality service you need is to look for companies that can support their claims with evidence. In the automotive world, the gold standard for employees is ASE certification. The technicians at Driver’s Edge are ASE-certified, allowing us to provide unmatched customer service and satisfaction throughout Dallas and Fort Worth!
Convenient Scheduling
When it comes to scheduling oil change service, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” Whether you work a typical 9-to-5 schedule, have a job that involves night shifts, or are a freelancer with an unpredictable schedule, you need an auto shop that can fit into your routine—and won’t require you to fit into theirs. A great way to avoid future headaches is to make sure your auto shop of choice accepts appointments.
At Driver’s Edge, we allow our customers to schedule oil changes ahead of time. In fact, we go above and beyond by offering online scheduling for any services you might need. That way, you’ll be able to set up appointments more conveniently than ever!
Book Your Oil Change Appointment Online
For countless motorists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Driver’s Edge is the number one name in auto and tire service—including oil change service. We’ve been hard at work helping local residents get the automotive help they need for over a decade, and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon. If you think you’ll need an oil change soon, don’t wait—book your appointment online today!
