by Cody Hodge

Created on: March 30, 2009

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running is to keep up proper maintenance. If you fail to keep your car properly maintained, then you can do damage to it in the long run. Gas mileage can suffer, and you can damage the engine of the car as well if you don't replace fluids and belts. One of the most important things you need to do in order to keep your car running smoothly is to regularly change the oil.

There are differing standards to when you should change your oil. The general standard is every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on make, and how you drive your car. Some say that you should change your oil every six months, and some say at least a year, or waiting until a change oil light or message comes on in the car.

In my own car, I just have to wait until it tells me that my oil needs to be changed. I drive a Pontiac, and the owners manual says that you should change it at least once a year, or when the change oil soon message comes on. Different cars will have different standards, so always check your owners manual, and if you are in doubt, just stick to every 3,000 miles or so.

The best part about getting your oil changed is that it is easy, and relatively cheap. Regardless of whether or not you do it yourself, or go to a shop to have it done, it should only take a few minutes, and cost maybe 20 dollars if you get it done in a shop. If you get it done in a shop, the shop may offer to check other fluids as part of the cost of the oil change.

Getting your oil changed regularly is very important. If you don't get your oil changed it will effect how your car runs, and decrease performance of the car. If you wait too long to change your oil, some of it can burn off, and if you lose too much oil, your engine can seize up, or stop running due to lack of lubrication in the engine. Having old oil in the engine can also choke off the air supply, and typically when you get an oil change, your air filter will get replaced as well.

Every time you get your oil changed, you are doing yourself a good service. Changing the oil is just as important as keeping the gas tank filled up. It is part of the routine maintenance of the car, and if you don't do it your warranty could be voided, or some fo the repairs that could come from not changing your oil may not get covered. Always check your owners manual for the exact times when you should change the oil, but get it done at least once a year.

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