Proper oil changes to keep the car running

There are many rewards as well as challenges in growing up the son of an engineer, my real-life experience. Everything was highly regimented and documentation essential.

Perhaps the best example was the maintenance of the family automobile. “Keep it full of oil and antifreeze and it will go a long way” was the mantra of the day. “Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles and be sure to document it in ‘the book'” kept in the glove compartment.

“The book” was a small spiral affair where all gasoline purchases were clearly noted, as well as oil changes, tire purchases and mechanical repairs, inspections, etc. The book became the bible that reviewed the history of the affairs of the family Chevy. Fail to record any of the following – the date, mileage, number of gallons of fuel, total cost, where purchased and price per gallon – and there would be hell to pay. The book was a great tool to review how the miles per gallon were going, when the muffler was last replaced, and other keys to cost-effective automobile maintenance.

It was also very clear that we were the only family in the neighborhood that kept such comprehensive records. That was 45 years ago.

In today’s zoom-zoom automobile environment, the world of routine and preventive maintenance seems to be much more relaxed. People jump in their vehicle, drive the length of the Atlantic seaboard and never think of lifting the hood to check for any vital signs. Perhaps, if a warning light illuminates, they will drive to a repair shop. Changing the oil to them means driving to the El-Quicko oil change place where it is all over in a flash. Did they really change the filter? Did they get the right type and amount of oil on board? Did they cross-thread the drain plug? Check closely any time someone with less investment in your vehicle than yourself monkeys around under your vehicle.

There are great automotive services out there, but there are also many horror stories. Find a service you like and stick with it. Bouncing around is playing Russian roulette with the mechanical health of your pride and joy. Forget to put the new oil in or load less than up to the add line on the dipstick, you may end up walking, trying to figure out how to pay for a new engine block.

How many miles between oil changes? The best answer is to read the owner’s manual and follow it. Many change the oil religiously every 3,000 miles, some 5,000, and others 7,500. Many automotive shops put a plastic stick-on in the upper left corner of the windshield as a reminder of when the oil should be changed. The owner’s manual provides the recommended viscosity, or thickness, of the oil to use, generally 10W-30 or 10W-40.

If you bought a secondhand car that didn’t come with a manual, they can be obtained on eBay. Key data can be found online. Consider checking the oil in your vehicle at every other gas fill-up or, even better, at every fill-up. Check under the vehicle and the driveway for oil leak. Carry an extra quart or two with you inside your car so that if your oil level is low you can remedy the situation often at a much lower price than at the gas pump.

It must be noted that there are many do-it-yourself oil changers out there, both men and women. They are the ones trying to save money and want assurance that the job is done to the best degree possible. Cold Maine winters make many of these folks wish they had a warm garage to work in instead of crawling around on a frozen driveway and in the arctic January wind.

Consumers should take comfort in the fact that there is much margin for error engineered into today’s automobiles. Cars are quite forgiving. However, why take a risk on a major engine failure due to your neglect or inattention? Those little oil change reminder stickers are a great idea for many drivers today. This author always peels them off immediately and throws them away. Don’t need ’em. I’ve got “the book.” My children each have their “book.” Some traditions just don’t die out. I’m sure the Old Man is smiling!

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