Skipping or delaying an oil change service? You’re headed for major problems.

Oil changes are necessary for any vehicle, especially if you drive long distances frequently.  In fact, oil changes are recommended at least once a year for vehicles with less than 100,000 miles on them. If you’re not sure how often you need to get your car’s oil changed, refer to your car’s manual to know the manufacturer’s recommendation.

What Is An Oil Change?

An oil change is the replacement of the engine’s lubricating oil. Lubrication keeps your car’s mechanical parts working smoothly and prevents excessive wear and tear. When you’re driving, the friction causes metal surfaces to rub together, which wears down the engine parts. Without a regular oil change, too much friction can cause damage to the engine over time.

What Are The Warning Signs A Car Needs An Oil Change?

Most car models today are equipped with a reliable system that provides maintenance alerts on the dashboard. If your car doesn’t have an oil change sensor, here are some signs to look out for to know when it is time for an oil change service.

• Dark, jellylike substance in oil (use a dipstick to check)
• Excessive metal debris in the oil
• Knocking or ticking noises from the engine
• Oil leaks and frequent low oil level warning
• Oil smell within the cabin

If you notice one of the signs listed above, let one of our Evanston mechanics examine your vehicle and perform the required repair and preventative maintenance.

Why Is A Regular Oil Change Important?

Your engine uses oil to keep everything running seamlessly. Without enough clean oil, your engine works hard to turn over the pistons, which move the crankshaft, which turns the wheels. All these moving parts require oil to work properly.

Regularly changing your engine’s oil helps prevent problems before they happen. By keeping your engine oil clean, you’ll reduce the risk of damaging your car’s components and extend the life of your engine.

How Long Does A Typical Oil Change Take?

The time needed for an oil change service varies depending on the services you get in addition to the oil change, but generally, an oil change service alone won’t take longer than an hour.

At HEART Auto Care Evanston, we’ll perform a courtesy inspection as part of our standard oil service to ensure that your car is in perfect working condition before leaving our shop.

How Much Does It Cost To Have My Engine’s Oil Changed?

An oil change typically costs under $100, but the price will vary based on where you live, the condition of your vehicle, and what additional services are needed.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change In Evanston

As mentioned above, oil is critical to the proper functioning of your engine. If you don’t replace it as often as necessary, you could end up with serious and costly engine failure.

HEART Certified Auto Care is a reliable auto care professional in Evanston, IL. Our service center offers quality car repairs you can trust. Schedule your next oil change in Evanston today.