Keeping your car in perfect condition is essential, for safety, but also our wallet. That is why car maintenance is essential to its daily operation. Although today’s cars warn themselves, the driver is recommended to know when to have his vehicle’s engine serviced.
When should you service your car?
Manufacturers or mechanics usually provide information on the number of kilometers or the duration of the maintenance, so that you know when to service your car. The first maintenance is usually estimated at 15,000 kilometers or one year after purchase.
The first service should be done at 5,000 kilometers, the second at 10,000 kilometers and then, more or less, every 15,000 or 20,000 kilometers, depending on the official vehicle book or the memory of the car itself.
In current models, the on-board computer shows the driver the recommended maintenance intervals and even adapts them in each case according to the driving style and the requirements of the mechanics.
The maintenance log will also indicate to the driver that attention should be paid to:
- to the oil and its filter, as well as to other filters such as air, pollen and fuel filters
- to shock absorbers that ensure driving comfort and safety
- to the generally expensive timing belt
- to the brake pads
- to the tires
- to the headlights
- to the exhaust system
- and even to windshield wiper blades.
However, it is difficult to establish what exactly needs to be checked during regular maintenance, as each model is different, but certain car parts need to be checked.
Oil change: an integral part of a revision service
Oil change is a routine maintenance that is essential to maintain its lifespan. It consists of replacing the engine oil and the oil filter. The oil lubricates the internal mechanisms of the engine, it cools them by lubricating the segments, pistons, cylinders, crankshaft, etc. to maintain an optimal operating temperature and make them durable over time.
In the long run, if the engine oil and filter are not changed on time, it can cause damage such as:
- A clogged filter due to a build-up of dirt.
- An increase in engine temperature
- Noises caused by lack of engine lubrication
- Broken connecting rod bushings, which need oil to reduce friction as much as possible.
- Cams that crack.
In the worst case, lack of lubrication causes premature wear of metal parts that are supposed to be in perfect motion and consequently the engine seizes up.
When to do it?
Today’s car models are equipped with an alarm system displayed on the speedometer to warn the driver of the need for an oil change. For a visual check carried out by oneself, dark colored engine oil or “burnt” texture is an indicator of the imminence of an oil change. But generally, oil and filter changes are required at intervals of 10,000 km on the odometer or after a year. Mineral oils work for 5,000 km on the odometer while semi-synthetic oils can last 10,000 km. As for synthetic oils, they can run the engine after 15,000 km of paved and flat road.
How to change it?
The car is lifted on a lifting platform. Then, the engine oil drain plug is removed to extract all the liquid. Then, the drain oil is poured and finally, the new oil filter is installed. Depending on the vehicle model, the amount of oil to be poured into the engine must be respected. However, it is not recommended to do it yourself, because an incorrect procedure can cause damage to the vehicle’s engine, such as excessive oil. The ideal is to make an appointment to have your car serviced by a professional mechanic.
Why does oil change involve replacing the oil filter? The reason is that the internal mechanisms of the engine generate friction that creates tiny metal filings or debris. Subsequently, the oil filter absorbs all these impurities and prevents internal damage to the vehicle’s engine.
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