Nov 6, 2013

Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things to can do to keep your car or truck running reliably for many years, but many people have questions about oil changes. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our Ford-certified technicians get.

Question #1: Why is changing your oil so important exactly?

Answer: Oil’s primary function is to protect the engine. It does this by keeping the moving parts lubricated, and by transferring heat away from critical engine parts. Over time, the additives in oil that help it protect the engine break down, and the oil does not work as well, leaving the engine vulnerable to damage. Eventually, sludge will build up in the engine, which can render the engine inoperable.

Question # 2: How often should I change my oil?

Answer: It depends on what kind of oil you are using. Mineral oil is made from refined crude oil. It is the least expensive options, and works well for most cars for normal use. Generally, it is advisable to change your mineral oil every 3,000 miles or 4 months, whichever comes first. The next step up in terms of both price and performance is a synthetic blend oil. Synthetic blends are the most widely-used type of oil due to their solid performance and mid-range price. Synthetic blends should be changed every 5,000 miles or 5 months. Full sytnthetic oil contains no actual oil. They have incredibly long service lives, and only need to be changed every 10,000 miles or 9 months. Full-synthetic oil gives the best performance available but is also the most expensive option. That being said, it also delivers the best, longest-lasting performance.

Question # 3: Do I need to schedule an appointment to have my oil changed?

Answer: Nope! We built a separate Quick Lane facility specifically to help our customers get oil changes and tire rotations… no appointments necessary!