Oil Change: Is it Necessary Before a Long Road Trip?
This is a good question to ask before heading out on a long summer road trip. There are two obvious answers to this question! If your vehicle will reach the mileage or time interval for the required oil change during your trip, it is definitely wise to change it before you head down the road. You don't want to have any problems in a strange town, interrupting your vacation plans. But, after taking into account all the extra miles driven on your road trip, if the time for an oil change won't occur until after your trip, don't worry about changing it beforehand.
What is the Right Interval For Oil Changes?
There is still a lot of contradictory information floating around about engine oil, what kind to use, and how often should it be changed. Many auto technicians no longer stand firm on the 3,000-mile oil change tradition. However, they do agree that vehicle owners should follow the recommended interval for oil changes as listed in their owner's manual. Another obvious sign is when the car's "oil change" light appears. Because the chemistry of oil combined with the technology of engines has advanced in recent years, the recommended interval for oil changes has lengthened considerably. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, that interval could be anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles. Know your manual!
A Few Words of Caution Before Starting Out on Your Summer Trip:
A wise driver will want to know that all the systems of their vehicle are operating at peak efficiency before they start out on their summer vacation. But it can be risky having service work performed just before a trip. For example, the drain plug may not be tightened properly. The vibration of the road will loosen it and you end up leaving a trail of oil down the road. As you make your plans, the schedule that needed an oil change or another maintenance service a good week before heading down the road.
Looking for quality oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive. Call (308) 381-2295 for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
This is a good question to ask before heading out on a long summer road trip. There are two obvious answers to this question! If your vehicle will reach the mileage or time interval for the required oil change during your trip, it is definitely wise to change it before you head down the road. You don't want to have any problems in a strange town, interrupting your vacation plans. But, after taking into account all the extra miles driven on your road trip, if the time for an oil change won't occur until after your trip, don't worry about changing it beforehand.
What is the Right Interval For Oil Changes?
There is still a lot of contradictory information floating around about engine oil, what kind to use, and how often should it be changed. Many auto technicians no longer stand firm on the 3,000-mile oil change tradition. However, they do agree that vehicle owners should follow the recommended interval for oil changes as listed in their owner's manual. Another obvious sign is when the car's "oil change" light appears. Because the chemistry of oil combined with the technology of engines has advanced in recent years, the recommended interval for oil changes has lengthened considerably. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, that interval could be anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles. Know your manual!
A Few Words of Caution Before Starting Out on Your Summer Trip:
A wise driver will want to know that all the systems of their vehicle are operating at peak efficiency before they start out on their summer vacation. But it can be risky having service work performed just before a trip. For example, the drain plug may not be tightened properly. The vibration of the road will loosen it and you end up leaving a trail of oil down the road. As you make your plans, the schedule that needed an oil change or another maintenance service a good week before heading down the road.
Looking for quality oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive. Call (308) 381-2295 for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
