The truth behind oil changes and car servicing: What every UK driver needs to know.

Have you wondered why an oil change has become a part of your car’s regular servicing? You might also have been thinking about what really happens during an oil change. Then, this guide is for you. Oil changes and car servicing go hand in hand. They are both important if you want to keep your car running smoothly and safely and without spending too much on fuel costs (that is, making your car fuel-efficient). Whether you drive a brand-new hybrid or an old hatchback, understanding the connection between these two will help you get the most from your vehicle. Plus, you might end up saving a ton of money in the long run. So, let’s look into what they are, why they are important, and how you can keep your car in top-notch condition with timely maintenance.  

What is an oil change? Why is it so important?

An oil change is exactly what the name suggests: a process of removing the old, dirty engine oil from your car and replacing it with fresh, clean oil. Along with that, the process can also include a replacement of the oil filter. 

So, why is an oil change so important for your car servicing? This is because engine oil is the fuel of your car’s engine. It lubricates all the moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. However, with usage and time, the oil breaks down and could get contaminated with dust, metal particles, and the by-products of the combustion process. This reduces the effectiveness of your engine. It might even put your engine at risk of faster wear or damage. Eventually, you could be facing a sudden car breakdown. 

Most car manufacturers suggest that you change the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, this can depend on the make, model, and how you drive. If you are mainly doing short trips in your local region, your engine does not get the time to warm up completely. Therefore, the oil can get dirtier faster. In the UK, a lot of car owners fall into this short-trip driving category, such as school runs, shopping or regular travelling. Hence, regular oil checks and changes become even more crucial.

How to recognise that your car needs an oil change? 

A need for an oil change does not always come suddenly. It is also highly subtle; you need to be on the lookout for any signs. The following are signs that you need an oil change service in Birmingham: 

  • Warning light: The easiest way to know is when your oil warning light comes on. Ensure that you are not ignoring this alert. 
  • Loud noises: If your engine sounds are louder than usual, it might be a sign of an oil change. 
  • Use dipstick: Use the dipstick which is provided with your car to look for signs. The oil might look dark on the dipstick, with some other pollutants. 
  • Mileage: If you have driven more than 6,000 miles since your last oil change, you should book your car for another oil change service. 
  • Low responsiveness: The car might feel sluggish or less responsive if it needs an oil change.
     

Neglecting oil changes might seem tempting for now, but over time, it can lead to engine damage. Such damages can cause expensive repairs for your vehicle or even a replacement for your engine.

How is an oil change part of your car servicing? 

The key connection between oil changes and car servicing is that oil change forms a major part of regular servicing. Regardless of the type of servicing you are choosing (interim, full, or major service), you will find that they will always include oil and filter checks. Most car owners think that an oil change alone will be sufficient for a well-maintained car, but this is a common misconception. For a well-maintained car, you need an oil change along with several other services. Such servicing will help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements that occur due to damage and wear of components.  

Why are regular servicing and oil changes important for your car? 

It is tempting to skip a service or delay an oil change, especially with everything costing more these days. But the harsh truth is that routine maintenance will save you money and hassles in the long run. Let’s look at how regular servicing and oil changes can benefit you and your vehicle: 

  1. Improved fuel efficiency: Fresh oil reduces engine friction. So, your car can run more efficiently, and that would save your fuel costs. 
  2. Better engine life: Replacing oil and filters regularly prevents engine sludge and wear. Overall, your engine remains in top condition for a longer timespan. 
  3. Less repair costs: Catching small problems early can reduce your repair costs in the long run. For example, worn brake pads or a faulty battery, when ignored, can turn into damaged discs or a dead alternator. These require more expenses for repair. 
  4. Higher resale value: A well-maintained service history adds to your car’s resale value. Plus, it shows that you have cared for your car. Did you know that potential buyers might not even consider your car with no service record?
  5. Peace of mind: With routine servicing and maintenance, you are sure that your car is in good shape. This is even important when you are planning for long journeys or drives during the winter weather.
     

There is a reason why oil changes and car servicing come in a package. They are the foundation of good car maintenance, as one keeps the engine running smoothly, and the other keeps your entire vehicle in check. Invest in routine car servicing Birmingham for a smoother vehicle. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Get Ready Your Car For The MOT?

Image
  MOT is a crucial test that gives immense checks for a better understanding of ensuring the changes in the vehicle. If all these things work out properly it will give a better check of the heap. It is an authorized test that gives emission checks within the overall understanding of the car. It gives emission of check of the components that enhance the car operations. It is majorly a problem to manage the right component of the car within managing understanding. You need to ensure that the screenwash of the car will be working properly to have a better understanding. It ensures the vehicle's right check of the safety purpose to handle it precisely within managing the options. It is important to have a better understanding effectively to get the right things to be done properly. These have measures to give additional changes to improve the frequent aspects within giving the different performances of the car. It is important to identify and address the potential safety hazards to mai...
Read more

Driving Safely in Winter: Tips for Better Visibility and Traction

Image
  Winter driving can be more challenging than summer driving. In essence, in the winter, the hazards you face often boil down to two categories: visibility problems and traction. Fully understand these risks and how they are dealt with to enable you to drive safely through the winter months with  Cheap Tyres Warrington.   Challenges in Visibility during the Winter   During winter, it tends to be difficult to see around them when driving. There are some common weather conditions that cover visibility challenges:   Fog: Sometimes fog can roll in all of a sudden and you just can't be able to see the other road users, signs, or the road itself.   Rain: Wet conditions from rain will cause your windshield to wipe over and obscure your vision. Snow: White stuff will blanket important road signs and other visual cues. Low Light: What else defines winter but shorter days that bring more nighttime driving?    Ways to Improve Visibility   One may take c...
Read more

Why Do Cars Fail The MOT Test?

Image
  Drivers in the UK have to bring their cars for an inspection every year. This is a compulsory inspection mandated by the government and is in place to ensure the roadworthiness of the cars and whether they are fit for driving or not, from both a safety and environmental perspective. Thus, one has to go for an MOT every year, as long as the car is three years old or more.  During this inspection, millions of cars are checked and at an average 20 to 25% of them fail the test. This happens because the inspection brings to light at least something wrong with the car. Although you can pass the MOT with a few Minor faults, Major or Dangerous faults will result in a direct failure. If you want to learn more about the MOT and why cars fail this test, read about it in the blog we have put together.  Can You Prevent An MOT Failure? Let’s tackle the big question first, is it possible to prevent an MOT failure? The answer is, yes, it is not only possible but also quite easy. All yo...
Read more