Standard Oil Change

If you’re looking to maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy, reduce emissions, and prolong its life, then you need to make sure your engine is functioning properly. You should change your oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Oil is essential to an engine. It eliminates friction and wear, protects metal parts from corrosion, and forms a seal between the piston, rings, and cylinder walls. It also acts as a lubricant and coolant. If the engine were not cleaned by fresh oil, carbon and varnish would be toxic. Doing a regular oil change will keep your engine at its peak performance.

When should oil be changed?

Vehicles made in the past decade usually need to replace their oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but even higher intervals are recommended for certain models. The owner’s manuals of many vehicles specify synthetic blend or full synthetic oil in conjunction with oil changes occurring more frequently. For many older vehicles and certain engines, the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. If you choose conventional oil, keeping the 3,000-mile oil change tradition may be a good idea.

If the reminder appears between oil changes, however, make sure you check your manual and heed that reminder, even if the old adage says every 3,000 miles. When your mileage doesn’t reach the recommended guideline each year, adhere to the manual’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Does driving condition affect how often you need to change your oil?

Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine if “severe” driving conditions necessitate more frequent oil changes. You might be surprised at what severe means. It’s possible that your vehicle manufacturer may recommend more frequent oil changes if you typically drive short trips in stop-and-go traffic or in “extreme temperatures” (which most of us refer to as summer heat and winter cold).

How to tell if your car needs an oil change in Fredericksburg, Va

The best course of action is to follow your regular maintenance schedule. However, your car may tell you it needs an oil change by:

• A light or message on your dashboard alerts you when your vehicle’s oil needs changing.
• Your dipstick shows dark oil: Fresh engine oil is transparent and pale brown or amber. The darker the oil, the more opaque it becomes — making dirty oil difficult to see through.
• Car is overheating: When your engine is not properly lubricated, it is forced to work harder, which generates excess heat.
• The grinding or tapping noises may indicate a low oil level, indicating that your engine needs additional oil protection.

Does an oil change take a long time with Airport Auto Sales?

It takes about 60 minutes to have an oil change at Airport Auto Sales including oil and filter changes. The time it takes for a do-it-yourself oil change, if managed correctly, can range from 25 minutes to an hour.

How can Airport Auto Sales in Fredericksburg, Va help you change your oil?

In order to keep your vehicle’s engine operating properly, it is imperative that it’s properly lubricated. A vehicle’s engine depends on lubricating oil, which normally keeps the engine running smoothly, but over time that oil may break down and become contaminated with dust, dirt and other particles from your vehicle or surrounding environment. Oil cannot do its job when that happens. Keep your vehicle’s engine in good working order by ensuring it has the right oil and filter.

Airport Auto sales experts will consider the car’s make, model, condition, mileage, and weather before recommending an oil change. We offer synthetic blend, high mileage, and full synthetic oil changes. You will receive the best advice and recommendations based on your car’s individual needs.