Oil service is one of the easiest maintenance tasks to postpone. If your vehicle starts normally and drives without obvious problems, it can be tempting to keep putting the oil change off. But engine oil is working every time the engine runs. It lubricates internal components, helps control friction and heat, and carries contaminants toward the oil filter.
At Streator Tire & Repair, Inc., oil change and lube service is one of the shop's listed maintenance services.
Inside your engine are numerous moving components operating under heat and pressure.
Proper lubrication helps those parts move against one another with less friction.
As oil ages, it becomes contaminated and its condition changes.
Following the recommended service interval helps keep the engine supplied with oil that meets its intended specifications.
The correct interval depends on the vehicle.
Streator Tire & Repair notes that many modern vehicles fall around the 5,000- to 7,500-mile range, while also pointing out that driving habits and oil type can affect the appropriate interval.
Factors that can influence maintenance include:
Always use your vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule as the primary reference.
The oil filter helps remove contaminants from the oil as it circulates through the engine.
When old oil is drained, replacing the filter as part of routine service helps maintain the filtration system while fresh oil is introduced.
The proper filter depends on your vehicle and engine.
Different engines have different lubrication requirements.
Some manufacturers require synthetic oil, while others specify oils that meet certain performance standards.
The most important thing is using an oil that meets the requirements for your particular vehicle.
If you're uncertain, your owner's manual or a qualified technician can help determine the appropriate specification.
As a vehicle gets older, it's important to pay attention to changes in how the engine uses oil.
If you're suddenly adding oil more frequently between scheduled services, that may be worth investigating.
Possible causes can include leaks or increased oil consumption.
Don't wait until the oil level becomes dangerously low before addressing a noticeable change.
Routine oil service can also be a useful opportunity to stay aware of other maintenance needs.
Streator Tire & Repair offers a range of services beyond oil changes, including:
Not every vehicle needs all of these services at once.
The goal is to identify what your particular vehicle needs based on mileage, condition, and manufacturer recommendations.
An oil-change reminder and an oil-pressure warning aren't necessarily the same thing.
If an oil-pressure warning appears while you're driving, don't assume it's simply time for routine maintenance.
Low oil pressure can indicate a serious engine problem.
Stop operating the vehicle when it is safe to do so and have the cause investigated.
Streator Tire & Repair services a wide variety of domestic and import vehicles.
The shop's listed vehicle coverage includes manufacturers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and many others.
That makes it possible to approach oil service based on the specific requirements of the vehicle rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all maintenance schedule.
Regular oil service helps keep routine engine maintenance from getting pushed aside. If your vehicle is due for an oil change, contact Streator Tire & Repair, Inc. in Streator, Illinois.
Call (815) 672-2732 or visit 1205 W Main Street, Streator, IL 61364. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.