When you drive, the heat from your engine breaks down the oil which is used as a lubricant for the moving parts. When this happens it becomes less effective and several bad things may begin happening.

The purpose of oil is to not only lubricate your engine, but to trap dirt and any other potentially destructive floaters which could cause major damage. But like all good things… your oils ability to protect and serve will come to an end.

Without the protection of clean, lubrication oil, parts of your engine rub together and begin to wear out. This will not only decrease the lifespan of your car, but it will become very, very costly to repair and replace.

Changing your vehicle’s oil is one of the most simple and important things you can do. And just to put your mind at rest: oil changes are not expensive.

We recommend that you change your oil and filter every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. However, it is always a good idea to consult your owners manual for more detailed information.

Do Not Over Fill!

Never overfill your vehicle’s engine with oil. If you put too much in the crankshaft can actually come in contact with the oil. This is bad. Because the crankshaft is turning at several thousand revolutions per minute it will cause your oil to froth.

Having this happen is a lot like the situation created if your Grandmother was to make her famous spaghetti sauce by stirring the pot at the speed of sound: The walls and ceiling would get quite a treat, but the rest of the family would go hungry.

If you are low on oil, you can add any grade of engine motor oil you like — though we advise you to use the grade recommended in your owner’s manual. If you regularly run low on oil, be sure to mention it to your Automotive Service Professional.

This could be a leak or may be burning oil-signs of major problems down the road if you don’t get it looked at.

At some point every engine starts to burn oil. It’s best to get into the habit of checking the oil from time-to-time, and you just might avoid having your engine melt down one day.

Change Oil More Frequently If:

-You have jackrabbit starts, heavy acceleration or high-speed driving

-You live where the climate is extremely hot or cold

-You often drive on dirt roads

-Your engine is old and burns oil

-You frequently carry heavy loads

You may want to check the oil level every few hundred miles as well, just to be sure that your vehicle is not leaking.

Checking Your Oil is Simple:

1: With your vehicle parked on a level surface, remove the oil dipstick.

2: Clean it off using a paper towel or old rag, and then reinsert it.

3: Remove it again, and check the oil level.

The dipstick shows the oil level; the MIN marking means the oil is at a minimum operating level and is a quart low. Ideally, it should be right at the full mark. If it’s at or below the add mark, that means you are a quart low and should add a quart of oil. If it’s between the two marks, you can add part of a quart to bring it up to full.

Drew Turnbaugh is a communications expert and founder of IanAuto.com. IanAuto is a free website allowing drivers, for the first time ever, to submit online service requests and receive repair quotes from live, local mechanics. IanAuto currently services the greater Chicago and Rockford Illinois metro areas.

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