Oil Change Service in Harvey, LA

How Long an Oil Change Takes

An oil change only takes about an hour to complete and that includes a filter change as well. It is also recommended that when you get an oil change you take advantage of the time to get a tire rotation to extend the life of your tires while you extend the life of your engine. Neither procedure is too time-consuming, and they will do wonders for your vehicle.

Types of Oil

There are three main types of oil used in your vehicle:

• Conventional oil, which is derived from crude oil with several additives, synthetic oil, which is derived from man-made ingredients with several additives.
• Full synthetic oil protects your engine better because of the purity of the ingredients and the uniform molecular structure. It also is easier for the environment.
• High Mileage Oil, this type is designed for older vehicles with over 75,000 miles. It contains some good anti-wear ingredients to help your older vehicle function more efficiently.

How Often Does My Vehicle Need an Oil Change?

Best practice dictates that your oil change schedule should match up with your manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find this information in your owner’s manual, but for most vehicles every 5,000-7,500 miles is a good rule of thumb. There are some vehicles that can go a bit longer without service. As always, consult your owner’s manual for recommendations to keep your oil changes and other maintenance needs on schedule for your vehicle so you are safer and get the most out of your vehicle.

How to Know When It’s Time for an Oil Change

In general, if you follow manufacturer recommendations and you schedule regular oil changes, this shouldn’t be an issue. There are some telltale signs that you can look for if you don’t remember the last time you had an oil change.

• Dashboard warning light.
• Dark or thick oil on the dipstick when you check your oil.
• Overheating engine because without good lubrication, friction levels increase, and more heat is generated by your engine since it has to work harder.
• Tapping or grinding noises, this can be the metal-on-metal sounds that occur because there is not enough oil circulating through your engine to protect it properly and what you hear is engine parts grinding together without oil to lubricate the moving pieces.
• Oil leaks need immediate attention because there can be many underlying problems that can cause an oil leak.