Tech & Auto
10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Changing Your Cars' Oil
By MIKE BEDARD
Too Infrequent
While the old guideline recommends changing your car's oil every three months or every 3,000 miles, automotive technology advancements allow some to go a bit longer.
Depending on your vehicle and what kind of oil it takes, you can go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles (or six to 12 months) before needing an oil change.
Wrong Oil
There are several oil varieties: conventional, high mileage, synthetic, and synthetic blend. Using the wrong type could significantly harm your vehicle's fuel economy.
The wrong oil may not have the additives your engine needs, leading to extreme wear and tear and even total engine failure. Some car warranties are voided if you use the wrong oil.
Cold Engine
Modern cars don't need to warm up before heading out on the road. However, one instance where you should let a vehicle warm up initially is right before an oil change.
Warmer oil flows more easily and is more likely to take away any gunk as it flows out. If you don't warm it up first, you may need to wait a bit longer for it to fully drain.
Wrong Amount
Underfilling your car's oil creates more friction, and various engine parts aren't going to be as well-lubricated, making it harder to attain proper acceleration.
Conversely, an engine overflowing with oil increases the risk of it coming into contact with the crankshaft, which means oil could enter the exhaust pipe and clog it over time.
New Filter
If you change a car's oil but keep the same dirty filter, you might as well not have changed the oil at all because sludge and other contaminants will get everywhere.
Get a full-flow filter, which is the main device used to grab any impurities in the oil. Some vehicles even require secondary oil filters, so be sure to check what your car needs.