Busting Oil Change Myths
There’s A Lot of Questions When it Comes to Oil Changes
When it comes time to swap out your old oil during routine maintenance, you’ll hear many oil-changing myths, such as leaving your fluid thick and won’t cause any damage, changing your oil every 3,000 miles, and more. These myths confuse drivers and fill them with misconceptions that can lead to engine issues or a hefty repair bill.
Here’s Herrin-Gear Chevrolet’s oil myth-busting blog to debunk misinformation to ensure your car gets the maintenance it needs and to show off your impressive knowledge from a stellar service team eager to serve you!
Myth 1: You Need to Replace Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
While changing your oil every 3,000 miles may have worked years ago, in modern times, with significant advancements through engine building and crafting, newer vehicles and most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Why do people still say to swap your oil every 3,000 miles? For years, if you owned a vehicle, manufacturers, dealers, and more would encourage changing your oil every 3,000 miles to ensure your engine stays lubricated, but that was for older models. Modern cars, like the inventory at Herrin-Gear Chevrolet, have newer engines, making your oil last longer and extending the time you should change your oil.
Myth 2: Fully Synthetic Oil Will Leak
When changing your oil, always follow your manufacturer’s manual. Some engines do not recommend fully synthetic oil, so do they leak?
Entirely synthetic oil became common in the 1970s, and many vehicles had trouble using it because the engines at the time weren’t as compatible as they are now. Modern cars helped improve motor oil formulas to prevent leaking, withstand high temperatures, last longer, and more!
So, if you’re looking for a fully synthetic oil change near Jackson, MS, you can rest easy knowing this oil will stay in your motor where it belongs!
Myth 3: You Should Change Your Oil Before a Road Trip
You might be scratching your head thinking; shouldn’t you always change your oil and other fluids before you embark on a road trip? While it’s recommended you check your oil and fluids before a long trek, you shouldn’t change it unless it’s time.
Modern cars and engines are designed to maintain their performance over long distances, making oil changes less frequent than they used to be. If you have an oil change due soon, consider replacing it, but if your oil isn’t thick and you recently swapped it out, opting to change it could mean less money in your pocket.
Myth 4: You Must Change Out Black Oil
Believe it or not, oil color isn’t the only indicator that your oil needs to be changed. Dark oil can result from oxidation. Your oil also helps clean your engine, absorbing and collecting dirt, soot, and other contaminants, turning it black.
What should you look for as signs to schedule an oil change near Jackson? If you notice low levels on your dipstick or if it is thick and sludgy, you should consider taking your vehicle in, as these factors could cause significant damage to your motor.
Myth 5: Thicker Oil is Better
When you check your oil, it should feel smooth and slippery, not thick or gritty. Sludgy oil will clog up your engine, causing it to use more gas, hinder performance, and leave you at the pump longer.
If you notice your oil is becoming thick, schedule an appointment with our service team. We’ll remove all the sludge from your motor and give it a fresh batch that your engine will love!
Myth 6: Oil Won’t Overheat Your Engine
Many drivers ask:
- “Can low oil cause overheating?”
- “Can low oil damage my engine?”
- “How long can I drive on low oil?”
When oil isn’t at proper levels, less fluid flows through the motor, leaving fewer parts to be lubricated. These parts will grind and crash against each other, overheating the engine. There are quite a few problems that can arise from driving on low oil.
Checking your dipstick, which should be between the proper indicators, can help you avoid a costly repair bill. If you notice puddles under your vehicle, that can indicate oil leaks.
So, if you’re wondering if low oil causes overheating, don’t wait to find out. Schedule an appointment with our service team, and we’ll have your car running smoothly!
Get Your Oil Changed With Herrin-Gear Chevrolet!
When it comes to getting your oil changed, debunking myths can help you sort through misinformation and misconceptions, so your vehicle gets the oil change it needs at the perfect time!
If you need an oil change near Jackson, visit Herrin-Gear Chevrolet in Jackson, MS, to schedule your appointment today!
