15 Feb How Often Should You Change Oil?
Whether it’s your car or motorcycle, RV, or even your snowmobile, lawnmower, or chain saw, each of these and plenty of other things rely on oil to keep them running smoothly. Unfortunately, not everything needs its oil changed at the same time. If you’re curious as to when you should change your oil and how your vehicles will benefit by doing so, we’ve got all you need to know.
When Oil Should be Changed
As to when oil should be changed, this varies depending on the item. For most cars, it’s recommended oil changes occur every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. However, boats only need the oil changed once per year or after every 100 hours of use, and lawnmowers need their oil replaced after 50 hours of use or once per season. To make sure you keep up with the oil changes your item needs, it’s best to refer to an owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
The More It’s Used, The More It’s Changed
As a general rule, the more something that relies on oil is used, the more often the oil will need to be changed. For example, if you drive your car 12,000 miles per year, you’ll probably need four oil changes. However, if you have a small yard to mow, one oil change at the end of the season will probably be sufficient.
Benefits of Oil Changes
No matter if it’s an expensive motor vehicle, an inexpensive lawnmower, or anything else in between, regular oil changes are beneficial in many ways. To begin with, regular oil changes in a car, boat, big rig, snowmobile, or anything else that uses gas will result in better gas mileage, ultimately saving you money at the fuel pump.
Oil changes also help to protect the many moving parts found in and around engines. In a motor vehicle, the oil helps to protect such parts as the crankshaft, camshaft, and various rods, pistons, and cylinders. Without oil that is fresh and clean, these parts can wear down much faster. If you don’t keep up with regular oil changes in your car or anything else, the engine will become damaged, leaving you facing either expensive repairs or buying yet another motor vehicle or other item.
Finally, regular oil changes will lead to better engine performance, meaning your car will run smoother, your lawnmower will more easily cut the grass, and your boat or snowmobile will glide over water or snow much faster. When you skip regular oil changes, engine parts do not stay properly lubricated. As a result, they stay hotter longer, often due to being covered with sludge. Once this happens, horsepower and efficiency decrease, while engine damage increases.
By making sure your farm tractor, motor vehicle, big rig, boat, or other type of vehicle gets fresh, clean oil at the proper intervals, you’ll save money on repairs or new purchases, get better efficiency on the road or elsewhere, and gain peace of mind.
Get the Right Products for Your Vehicle
Amsoil’s line of synthetic lubrication products represents the finest level of protection you can buy for your motorized equipment. If you need help finding the right product for you, contact authorized Amsoil dealer Dave Consalvo today.