A Resolution for Car Care

A new year beginning. A time to start fresh and make resolutions. Most resolutions involve people trying to take better care of themselves, whether that be eating better or losing some extra weight. As well as making strides to take care of yourselves don’t forget to take care of your vehicle. Car care is not always on the top of our list but a way to make sure you get a full life out of your car and to keep it running properly is to get 3,000-mile oil changes.


Why is it so important to change your engine’s oil? Over time, the additives in the motor oil are used up. The only way to provide engines the protection they need is to change the oil and oil filter. Oil also thickens over time, leading to poor cold-start lubrication performance as well as a drop in fuel economy. How quickly all this happens depends on what type of driver you are.


There are two classifications of drivers: normal drivers and severe drivers. Being a severe driver does not mean you are a bad driver or dangerous. It’s based on the conditions you drive in. Most are surprised to learn that they are a severe driver. If you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, in dusty or muddy conditions, or if you take frequent short trips, tow trailers, drive in areas where road salts are used, or live in a coastal area, you are most likely a severe driver.


The classification you fall in dictates the proper maintenance and oil change interval for your vehicle. These intervals are critical to ensure the oil in your car is providing the proper protection for your engine. Severe motorists face conditions that may require more frequent oil changes. Maintaining a 3,000-mile or 3-month schedule is cheap insurance and it’s the best preventative maintenance you can do. Getting frequent oil changes can actually save you money by defending against more expensive repairs in the future. Changing oil at recommended intervals also serves as a “trigger point” for performing other important vehicle checks, such as tire pressure, radiator levels and belt and hose integrity.


While you’re making resolutions to take care of yourselves make sure to add vehicle care to the list. The importance of oil changes are important, not just another gimmick like holidays made-up by greeting card companies. Just like water is vital to your body, oil is vital to your vehicle’s engine. If you don’t take care of your car you could end up getting more than you bargained for when you said you wanted to start exercising more.