Vehicle maintenance involves several steps, and oil change is one of them. It’s also one of the most overlooked processes, yet it’s necessary if you want to keep your car for a long time. Not only does it extend the life of your engine, but it helps keep your car running smoothly, reduces emissions, and improves your driving experience as well! All these benefits combined will save you money in the long run. But that’s not the topic of today. In this blog, you’ll be learning about every other extra service that’s commonly included in an oil change.
Coolant Check
Antifreeze is crucial in maintaining the temperature inside the car despite the weather outside. This allows you to drive comfortably without getting too hot or cold. That said, the antifreeze will deplete over time. Your mechanic will check the level of your car’s coolant by using a dipstick. If needed, he will refill it to the right level and make sure there’s no leakage so you can drive safely.
Tire Pressure Check
Tires are the first things to wear and tear in a car. While they might not need replacing, the air pressure must be checked to ensure it’s not underinflated. In addition, the tread depth should be kept within safe limits. This will prevent blowouts and reduce fuel consumption.
Changing the Air Filter
Most modern air filters are located behind on top of your engine under the hood. This intake system is responsible for protecting your machine from dust and debris. If it’s clogged or dirty, your ride might suffer from low fuel economy and poor performance. Fortunately, cleaning the air filter is already included in most oil change jobs.
Oil Change
Every vehicle owner knows that oil changes are crucial to vehicle maintenance. But many drivers don’t know what to expect during their next visit to the mechanics shop for an oil change or even exactly why they need one in the first place.
As you may well know, the oil that lubricates your vehicle’s engine plays a crucial role in ensuring that the moving parts within your engine do not grind against each other due to friction. When this happens, it can lead to serious damage or even an accident while you are driving.
So by routinely replacing the old and dirty oil with fresh, clean oil, you’re saving yourself from having major problems down the line. One of the most important things for a mechanic to check when performing an oil change is the type of oil.
- Conventional oil: This is usually inexpensive and can be purchased almost anywhere but might not be the best option for you.
- Synthetic oil: Contains straight hydrocarbon chains, which provide them with better protection against heat, coldness, and other extreme weather conditions.
- High-mileage oil: These oils are specifically made for cars with more than 75,000 miles. They contain extreme pressure additives which help prevent oil breakdown in the hot cylinder walls and friction surfaces.
- Conventional and synthetic blend: This oil combination might be the best option for you if your engine is new and you don’t do many miles. This will help to protect the engine from wear and tear while saving on costly synthetic oils.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Many vehicles use power steering fluid to help turn the wheels while driving. The fluid is needed to keep the pump and other parts lubricated and cool to continue working smoothly. By checking this fluid periodically, the mechanic ensures your bearings are in perfect condition to avoid jamming. To check, one simply removes the reservoir cap and see whether there is a sufficient amount of oil in it.
Brake Fluid Check
The brake fluid can sometimes determine life and death. It allows the hydraulic components to lock up when you step on the brakes, which stops your car from moving. This fluid needs to be changed regularly because it will absorb moisture and break down over time. A common recommendation is to change your brake fluid every 24 months if you live somewhere with extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and snow.
Inspect Washer Fluid
Together with the wiper, the washer fluid helps clean off the dirt and grime that sticks to your windshield. In many cases, washer fluid can reduce visibility by causing water spots on the glass, so the mechanic checks the level and consistency of the fluid before letting you take off.
Battery Life Check
Batteries, like any other energy source, can deteriorate. When this happens, it can reduce the performance of your vehicle. And this is especially true for those who live in areas where the temperatures get really cold during the winter months. But there are things that you can do to extend the life of your battery, and one of them is getting an oil change since a clean engine will run more efficiently, which reduces wear on the battery.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Oil Change?
There’s more to an oil change that meets the eye. Car maintenance might seem expensive or time-consuming, but it’s actually an excellent way to protect your investment from future problems. Don’t skimp out on it!
