The Ultimate Guide to Oil Change Service in Vancouver
Keeping up with regular preventative maintenance will significantly help keep your vehicle in the best shape possible. One of the important things that this includes is taking it in for routine oil change service. This is the easiest, most affordable, and most effective way to help ensure your vehicle can run its best. Professional oil changes will optimize your engine’s performance and help the lifespan of your vehicle.
Most engine failures actually happen due to neglect on the vehicle owner’s part. So, to put it simply, keeping up with routine oil changes can save your engine.
In this article, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about oil change service, including the benefits, types of oil, how often to have it done, and more.
Schedule your oil change appointment online today!
What Are the Benefits of Having a Vancouver Oil Change Done Regularly
Most drivers don’t give too much thought to oil changes other than knowing that they should be done occasionally. But ensuring your vehicle has good oil running through its engine by having an oil change service done regularly provides some very important benefits. These include:
Keeping the Engine Clean
Your engine is the number one thing in your
vehicle that should be kept clean. And that is one of the main things that clean oil does. As it cycles through the engine, it works to trap the dirt and grime that can naturally build up in your engine, keeping it clean and free of contaminants. But it can only hold so much. If the oil isn’t regularly changed, that gunk will clog the oil filter and can lead to significant engine damage.
It is important to note that you shouldn’t just keep topping off existing oil when it gets low. Diluted oil will still not have enough strength to keep an engine clean and protected.
Reducing Friction & Engine Wear
The last thing you want to hear is the sound of metal-on-metal grinding coming from your vehicle. But that’s exactly what can happen once the engine oil gets too old and the filter hasn’t been changed. Clean oil works to properly lubricate delicate engine components. Old, dirty oil cannot effectively perform this task, and eventually, these parts can begin to wear together, which can lead to the engine seizing up. When that happens, your vehicle will be undrivable and must be towed to your closest auto repair shop location for significant repair.
Absorbing Excess Engine Heat
As your engine runs, the metal parts moving around inside generate high heat. Without protection, the engine will overheat. Clean oil works to absorb the heat that builds up. But if the oil is overly dirty, it will lose its ability to properly protect the engine from overheating. It will even begin to reflect heat, creating even more of a problem for the components within the engine.
Preventing Corrosion & Rust Within the Engine
Corrosion and rust are two of the most destructive things to the metal parts within your vehicle. That is why another important function of motor oil is to keep both of these things from building up in the engine. Having an oil change done regularly will ensure the oil can continue to do its job.
Optimizing Fuel Efficiency
Clean oil will enable the engine to run smoothly, without excess friction and heat. This means that the fuel efficiency will be optimized as well. Dirty engine oil and a dirty filter mean that the engine has to work even harder, which will significantly reduce fuel efficiency.
Identifying Any Other Engine Issues
During a professional oil change service, your mechanic will also look for any other vehicle issues that may be present. This keeps small things from turning into big problems down the road and saves you from having to pay for serious repairs. At Gaynor’s Automotive, you can trust our mechanics not only to perform the best oil change in Vancouver but also thoroughly inspect your vehicle each and every time.
What Exactly Happens During a Professional Oil Change?
It can be tempting to perform an oil change on your vehicle yourself. But even though it seems like a simple task, when it is done properly, it is more in-depth and should be left up to the professionals.
During a full-service oil change at a professional auto service shop like Gaynor’s Automotive, the mechanic will:
- Drain the old, dirty oil
- Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new, clean filter
- Refill the engine with new, clean oil
- Lubricate high-wear areas like the chassis, door hinges, and hood
- Inspect the condition of the vehicle’s other system fluids, such as the transmission, power steering, and brake fluid
- Top off the windshield washer fluid and antifreeze as needed
- Check the battery, belts, hoses, lights, wiper blades, and tire pressure
- Inspect the engine air filter and the in-cabin filter.
As you can see, a lot happens during an oil change service to help ensure your vehicle runs safely and reliably.
How Often Should an Oil Change Be Done in Vancouver?
One of the most frequently asked questions about oil changes is how often they should be done. There is no singular answer to this question—a variety of factors impact what oil change schedule is best for each vehicle. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the best place to look for a specific answer.
But here are some general guidelines to give you an idea:
- If using full synthetic oil, have it changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Synthetic blend oil should be changed roughly every 5,000 miles.
- If conventional oil is being used, have it changed every 3,000 miles.
- As the vehicle ages and the mileage increases, the oil should be changed more frequently than before.
- You may need to change the oil more often if you frequently carry or tow heavy loads or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic.
- If the engine starts to burn oil or generate smoke routinely, the oil should be changed more frequently.
The ASE-certified expert mechanics here at Gaynor’s Automotive can help you determine the best oil change schedule for your vehicle.
And don’t forget to check our latest oil change coupons to help you save even more money and make keeping up with preventative maintenance that much easier.
What Are the Different Types of Oil for Cars?
There are many different types of engine oil available today to meet the needs of all different kinds of vehicles, mileage, and driving habits.
Before we get into exactly what those are, there are two important factors that apply to all types of oil: viscosity and weight.
- Viscosity refers to how easily the oil pours. Thicker oils have a higher viscosity and pour more slowly at low temperatures, while thin oils have a low viscosity and pour faster. All motor oils are given a viscosity rating by the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE), and you’ll usually find the oil’s viscosity rating printed on the bottle.
- The weight describes the oil’s viscosity and is another number given by the SAE. This weight is the number allocated to the oil based on how it flows at 210°F, which is roughly the operating temperature for most engines.
Now, here are questions many people have about different types of oil:
What Is Conventional Oil?
Conventional is what would be considered “standard” or “regular” oil. This oil is made from crude mineral oil and only partially refined, making it less expensive compared to other types of oil. Conventional oil will still provide adequate protection for most engines, but it will get dirty faster. That is why an oil change service is needed more frequently with conventional oil. But, when changed on a regular schedule, this oil is still capable of helping your engine reach 150,000 miles or more.
What Is Full-synthetic Oil?
Unlike conventional oil, this oil is manufactured in a lab or factory and is highly refined. Full-synthetic oil breaks down at a slower rate and withstands high temperatures better than conventional oil. It does cost more compared to other types of oil but offers the highest level of engine protection and performance. Most vehicle manufacturers are now recommending using full synthetic oil.
What Is Synthetic Blend Oil?
Synthetic blend oil combines the best features of conventional oil and full-synthetic oil. This is especially beneficial for drivers who can’t (or aren’t willing to) pay the premium price of full-synthetic oil.
Currently, about 45% of all vehicles use either a full synthetic or synthetic blend oil. If you are wondering which one is the best option, it’s important to consider a couple of things:
- Synthetic blend does contain some mineral oil. So, its performance depends on how much mineral oil is used. The higher the amount of mineral oil, the lower the performance will be and the shorter the longevity of the oil. On the other hand, synthetic blend oil is cheaper and only needs to be changed slightly more than full synthetic.
- Full synthetic oil can help further extend the life of your engine because it has better chemical stability, performs better at both high and low temperatures, and has better overall viscosity. It also resists oil sludge buildup, thermal breakdown, and oxidation more effectively.
What Is High-mileage Oil?
Older engines that have over 75,000 miles need extra protection. This is what high-mileage oil was made for. This oil attacks problems that many older cars start to face, such as engine corrosion, higher oil burn-off, and leaking gaskets. High-mileage oil offers added protection through the use of anti-corrosion agents, viscosity modifiers, special cleaners, and seal conditioners.
What Is Diesel Motor Oil?
Because they run dirtier than gasoline engines and are usually larger, diesel engines need an oil that can sufficiently keep them clean. Diesel motor oil contains special additives to do just that. Because the oil picks up a large amount of dirt and debris, a diesel engine will need more frequent oil and filter changes.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which oil you should be using. The best answer is to go with what is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. In most cases, a range of oils will be recommended to consider different environments and driving habits. And, yes, you can switch between synthetic and conventional with no adverse consequences to your vehicle.
Having trouble determining which type of oil you should go with for your vehicle based on your driving habits? Ask your Gaynor’s Automotive oil change specialist for their expert advice.
How Do You Know When You Need a Oil Change
There are several red flags to look out for that indicate a need for an oil change service. These include:
- The oil is darker than normal.
- The dipstick shows a low oil level.
- Metal flecks are visible on the dipstick.
- Unusual or loud noises are occurring.
- Engine performance is weakened.
- Your “Check Engine” light is illuminated.
If you are experiencing any of the above, bring your vehicle to your closest Gaynor’s Automotive location for an inspection and oil change service.
How to Check Oil in a Car
Knowing how to properly check the oil in your vehicle yourself is extremely beneficial in keeping your vehicle running its best between scheduled oil change appointments. Here’s a quick guide on how to properly check your oil:
- Park the vehicle on level ground and turn the ignition off.
- Lift the hood and locate the dipstick. It usually has a yellow or orange ring handle and is marked with an oil can symbol.
- Pull the dipstick out all the way and wipe the oil off with a paper towel or rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the tube.
- Pull it back out slowly and look at the oil level compared to the markings on the stick. It will usually have two lines or say “Low,” “Add,” and “Safe.”
- If the dipstick indicates the oil level is low, add a quart of the proper oil only until you can get your vehicle to the shop as soon as possible. Don’t ignore low oil levels; doing so can lead to significant engine damage.
Make sure to check your owner’s manual for more information specific to your vehicle.
How an Oil Filter Works
The oil filter plays a very important role in helping to keep your engine clean and protected. But, if the filter is worn out or overly dirty, it can’t properly do its job, and the oil flowing through it will stay dirty, or the oil may not be able to get through at all. In either case, your vehicle’s engine will suffer.
Here are some questions many people have about the various types of oil filters:
What Is a Full Flow Oil Filter?
This is the most commonly used oil filter by many vehicle manufacturers and is also often referred to as the primary oil filter. While some filters don’t, this filter cleans all of the oil flowing through the engine. A full-flow filter is especially good in colder climates, as it allows oil to freely move through the engine, no matter how cold the temperature is outside.
What is a Cartridge Oil Filter?
A cartridge filter is essentially the same as a full-flow filter, except that it is made from recyclable material.
What Is a Spin-on Oil Filter?
A spin-on filter, another type of full-flow oil filter, has a paper element paired with a steel canister. These filters are easy to use and require minimal tools.
What Is a Secondary Flow Oil Filter?
The secondary flow filter is exactly what it sounds like; it serves as a backup for the primary full-flow filter and removes any contaminants that the primary filter missed.
What Is a Spinner Oil Filter?
This is another type of secondary filter. A spinner filter uses centrifugal force to trap contaminants, with some generating force over 2,000 times greater than gravity. This force allows the filter to catch even the smallest contaminants. This filter is extremely effective but more expensive.
What Is a Magnetic Oil Filter?
A magnetic filter is another type of secondary filter that uses magnetic force to effectively remove metallic bits from the engine oil. Though it does not remove much grime and dirt, it doesn’t need to be changed like other filters and simply needs to be periodically cleaned.
Keep Your Engine Protected with Routine Oil Change Service
Keeping up with a routine oil change service for your vehicle is the easiest and best investment you can make to keep it running its best. If you don’t do it, it can lead to worn engine components, overheating, and even a seized engine.
The ASE-certified mechanics at every Gaynor’s Automotive location can help keep your engine properly protected. We work hard to provide top-quality service and professional, experienced auto care at fair and competitive prices. Make sure to check out our Coupons page for the latest Valvoline oil change coupon and other deals to help make your service as affordable as possible!
The expert service staff here at Gaynor’s Automotive is here to take care of all your auto service needs, from preventative maintenance to fuel system cleaning and everything in between!
