3 Steps to NEVER Miss Out When You Change Your Car Oil

3 Steps to NEVER Miss Out When You Change Your Car Oil

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Did you know that failing to change your oil regularly can reduce your engine’s lifespan by up to 30%? The engine oil is the lifeline of your car.

An engine oil change is a critical part of your routine car maintenance. It helps your engine to keep running smoothly and efficiently. By doing this maintenance, you will avoid engine damage, costly repairs, and safety hazards regularly. 

In this process, there are certain steps that are particularly important. This guide outlines those essential steps you should always follow during an oil change. Further, we will teach you how to select the correct oil while protecting yourself and much more! 

Why Regular Engine Oil Changes Are Crucial?

Why Regular Engine Oil Changes Are Crucial

Over time, the engine oil gets dirty and breaks down, increasing engine wear. This puts the engine at risk of damage. This is one of the the simple reasons you need to replace the old oil in your car. Furthermore, by regularly changing your oil, you keep your engine clean and lubricated, resulting in the best performance in the long run. 

As for how often to change engine oil, it will depend on the vehicle or engine. In your car’s manual, you will find the exact mileage that your vehicle can endure before you need to replace the oil. 

As long as you are changing it as regularly as recommended, your engine should have a longer lifespan and improved performance. This way, you will avoid costly repairs.

Generally, you should change engine oil soon if you own an older vehicle that has reached a mileage of 3,000 miles. Meanwhile, newer cars may need this maintenance after every 5,000 and 7,000 miles before the oil change. 

NEVER Miss These Steps for Your Car Engine Oil Change

Replacing your car oil is a must, and any critical step you miss could cause engine wear, reduce the oil’s efficiency, or even lead to injury. Therefore, carefully read the following tips before you attempt to replace the oil in your car:

1. Resetting Your Oil Light

Resetting your oil light is the first thing you should consider ahead of any oil change in the engine. The oil change light is an important tool for maintaining your vehicle. It signals when fresh oil is due. 

By resetting it, you ensure accurate tracking of your maintenance intervals. Furthermore, it prevents unnecessary worries about your oil’s performance.

Conversely, ignoring this light can lead to confusion, as it may trigger a “check engine light” after an oil change. In this case, you wonder whether there is a bigger issue. 

The following methods are the ones you will most likely need to reset.

Using Dashboard Controls:

When resetting the oil light, you can use the dashboard, depending on your car’s make and model. To do so, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. To start resetting the engine light with the dashboard controls, you will need to turn the ignition into the “On” position without starting the car.
  2. After you have turned the ignition, you will need to navigate your menu using the dashboard or steering wheel controls. This will help you find the oil change reminder.
  3. Now that you have found the reminder, you will need to press and hold the “Reset” or “Info” button until the oil life percentage blinks.
  4. Finally, you will need to release the button, then press and hold it again until the reminder disappears.

Manual Reset Procedure:

Another way to reset this light is to do it manually. You will need to follow these three steps to do it:

  1. To start resetting this light manually, you will need to switch the ignition “on” without starting the engine.
  2. When the ignition is on, you will need to press the accelerator three times within 10 seconds.
  3. The last step is to turn off the ignition and then start the car to confirm the reset. You can even check engine light change to ensure the process has worked.

Using an OBD-II Scanner:

The last way to reset this light is with a scanner. This process requires the following steps:

  1. First, you will need to link the scanner to your car’s diagnostic port.
  2. Once you have connected the scanner, you will need to turn the ignition on without starting the car. 
  3. After you have turned the ignition, you will need to press “Reset Oil Life” on the scanner menu.
  4. Finally, you will receive instructions to reset the light. Then, it will correctly inform you when to change your engine oil. 

2. Let Your Car Engine Cool Down Slightly

Another crucial step you often miss is letting your vehicle cool down slightly before an oil change. This acts as a safety measure during the process. This is because working on a hot engine can cause burns when handling parts like the drain plug or oil filter. 

However, experts recommend that it is better to warm up engine before oil change. In particular, warm the engine for 2–3 minutes before the oil changes to thin it for easier drainage, but ensure it is not too hot.

3. Use the Correct Oil Type and Quantity

Lastly, always use the correct product as well as quantity whenever you change engine oil

Selecting the right oil is based on the specifications of your vehicle. You are likely to find this information in the owner’s manual. Ensure you use the recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) and oil type (conventional, synthetic, or blend).

Likewise, the quantity used is also essential for a proper oil change. Using too little oil can cause engine damage due to friction, while too much can lead to overflow. So, you should always double-check the oil capacity for your car model, as it varies. 

Professional Oil Change Services at Integrity 1st Automotive 

As simple as it sounds, changing engine oil is not for everyone. A mistake can lead to a leak or ruin the oil you have put in your car. 

To avoid these issues, rely on the experts at Integrity 1st Automotive. Our expert technicians are well-versed in this process and will follow every step to ensure your car performs well. 

In addition, we offer the following wide range of auto repair and maintenance services in Texas:

  • Scheduled maintenance
  • Engine and transmission repair
  • Fluid exchanges
  • Car battery repair
  • Drive train repairs

Conclusion

In the end, we can agree that following the right steps for an engine oil change ensures your engine runs efficiently. Additionally, it makes your engine last longer. From resetting the reminder light to choosing the correct oil type and quantity to let your car cool, each step is crucial in car maintenance. 

For the best results, it is best to leave it to qualified technicians like Integrity 1st Automotive. Our experts ensure proper oil changes and keep your vehicle performing at its best. 

Prioritize safety and consult professionals like us, as you deserve to drive confidently and safely, knowing your car is well maintained.

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