Oil Change Intervals for Maximizing Engine Health and Performance

Southern California mechanic performing an oil change service

Prevent Breakdown with Quality Oil Changes at Ramona Tire

Most Southern California drivers understand that their vehicle needs an oil change, but some drivers need help understanding exactly how often they're supposed to perform this vital service. Some people stick to the old adage that you're supposed to perform an oil change every 3,000 miles, while other drivers are unaware that there are now three different types of oil, and each provides a different level of protection for their engine.

At our Southern California auto shop, we are the automotive experts who can provide all the mechanical services your vehicle will need – including its oil change service. Our ASE-certified mechanics use quality replacement parts and fluids to ensure your vehicle is always running its best. We perform oil change services on all make and model vehicles to ensure that you can receive a trusted oil change service no matter what you drive.

Schedule an appointment at Ramona Tire today for hassle-free oil change services.

Schedule an Oil Change Service

Understanding Motor Oil's Role in Your Engine

The inside of your engine features many moving parts that move at high speeds and generate immense heat. As oil is pumped through your engine, it coats these parts and provides vital lubrication, cooling, and cleaning aspects that are necessary for your engine's normal operation.

However, your engine oil gets dirtier as time passes, and its chemical properties change. Once this process occurs, your oil's efficacy goes down, and temperatures inside your engine begin to rise. As temperatures rise, the metal in your engine can warp, and its high speed of operation can cause your engine to self-destruct.

Getting regular oil change services protects your engine. This service ensures that your engine always has the protection and lubrication it needs to run optimally.

The Dangers of Not Getting an Oil Change

If a driver ever neglects their oil changes, damage to their engine can begin to occur. The longer an engine runs with dirty or old oil, the higher the chances are that damage will happen. If your vehicle is past its recommended service interval, you may notice some of the following symptoms from your car:

Illuminated maintenance reminder light
Oil warning light
Reduced fuel economy
Rough operation
Rough Idle
Engine surging
Exhaust smoke
Engine stalling
Reduced performance

These symptoms are often a result of increased friction and heat from within your engine. The worse your engine seems to run, the higher the friction from within your motor may be. While a missed oil change is not the only reason your engine can experience the above symptoms, neglecting this service can cause each of these to occur in your vehicle.

There are Three Types of Protection for Your Engine

Now that we've established why performing a routine oil change service is important to maximize your engine's health and performance throughout its life, let's talk about oil type. There are, in fact, three types of oil that can be used in your engine. Each type offers its own level of protection and features its own service interval:

Conventional oil. This type of oil is made from refined petroleum and provides the most basic protection for your engine. Conventional oil can provide cooling and lubrication for your engine and can protect it up to temperatures of 275°F before it begins to oxidize and break down. Conventional oil's chemical properties can leave behind residue in your engine if left in use for too long. For this reason (and its basic level of protection) it is recommended to perform a conventional oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Synthetic blend. This oil type uses conventional oil as a base but offers the added protection that comes with synthetic additives. Synthetic additives offer better lubrication and can typically withstand temperatures of 400ºF before they begin to oxidize and break down. Often formulated with high-mileage engines in mind, synthetic blend oil often features additives like detergents or gasket sealants to help address the common concerns of aging engines. This type of oil typically requires an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Full synthetic oil. Synthetic oil may sound like it was created in a lab, but it is actually made of natural gasses or refined from petroleum. This type of oil offers the best protection for your engine and offers superior performance in both hot and cold temperatures. Synthetic oil is often required for many high-performance engines because of its protective abilities. For this reason, synthetic oil is considered the gold standard for your engine and is best at promoting longevity and performance throughout your engine's life. It is recommended to perform a full synthetic oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Enjoy Peace of Mind with Quality Oil Changes in Southern CA

If you're looking for a trustworthy service facility to perform quality oil changes on your vehicle, look no further than Ramona Tire. Our ASE-certified mechanics perform maintenance and repairs on all make and model vehicles. So, regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, you can receive quality changes with lasting peace of mind.

When you choose Ramona Tire to handle your automotive needs, you'll also enjoy fantastic savings. In addition to already competitive prices, we offer oil change service coupons, tire discounts, and auto repair savings that help you save on your next car repair or maintenance service.

Schedule an appointment at Ramona Tire today and enjoy trustworthy oil change services.