Article by Alfred Ardis

You will extend the life of your vehicle by getting your vehicle serviced regularly. Remember that engine oil keeps vehicles running efficiently and it needs to be changed regularly. The engine oil also lubricates the engine and moving parts, keeps the engine clean, keeps the metal parts from rubbing against each other, protects your engine from getting damaged, prevents your car from overheating, and enhances your vehicle’s performance.

You can get your vehicle serviced in any type of auto repair center or auto service center. You can also get oil changes at your dealer. When a mechanic performs your oil change, he will remove the old engine oil and replace it with fresh oil. Many auto repair shops offer full service changes and they service most models and makes of vehicles. Their full range of services may include installing a new oil filter, lubricating the chassis, checking the air filter, checking the air conditioner, checking and filling power-steering fluid, battery fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant level, checking the wiper blades, tire pressure, and the exterior lights. Some auto service centers also wash the exterior windows and vacuum the inside of the car. Full service oil changes are affordable and definitely worth paying for.

Regular oil change maintenance will keep your car in great condition and help you avoid costly repairs. Most car manufacturers recommend that people change their oil every 3,000 miles or every three months to accommodate for severe driving conditions. Severe driving conditions are referred to in the owner’s manual that your vehicle came with. Your driving conditions are severe if you engage in stop-and-go or city driving, you take multiple small trips, you drive on dirt roads or in extremely cold weather, you allow your vehicle to idle for extended periods of time, you drive a tow truck or carry large loads when you drive.

It is also important to note that if you have an older vehicle, you probably need to get oil changes every three months or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you have a newer model, you may only need maintenance about twice a year. If you aren’t sure how frequently you need to get an oil change, check your service manual or contact your dealer.

There many excellent, well-known auto repair shops that hire only certified technicians, and you can count on them when you need to get an oil change or repair your vehicle. Choosing a reliable shop and certified mechanics to perform maintenance offers many benefits like saving you money by helping you avoid expensive repairs, extending your engine?s life and other important components, ensuring proper care from experienced technicians, increasing your vehicle’s resale value, reducing environmental pollution, and keeping you and your car safe. Please note that many auto service centers offer quick oil changes and you will be in and out in about 20 or 30 minutes.

Remember that many auto service centers carry top-of-the-line products and they use quality motor oil. A certified mechanic at an auto service center will know exactly what type of engine oil that your vehicle needs. If you aren’t sure what type of oil your vehicle needs, speak to the mechanic who is performing your oil change. Remember that you should never drive with en empty oil tank, so check your oil levels periodically and fill it up when you need to. This will help you avoid costly repairs.