The Most Important Part of Car Maintenance
When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next. They always set the reminders to 3,000 miles or 3 months.The old standard used to be 3,000 miles, but newer cars are built to need less maintenance. Do you really have to have an every 3,000 miles?
Most automakers now recommend getting an oil change every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, for “severe” driving they recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles.What do they mean by “severe” driving? “Severe” conditions include driving in hot, cold, dusty, and ocean-side environments, towing a trailer, making many short trips and city driving. Many of us fall into that category!
They say that over-maintaining your car is a waste of money and I agree, but oil changes are very inexpensive. An oil change only costs about . If your car experiences any of these “severe” conditions, it’s well worth the extra a year. Your other choice is risking under-maintenance, which may mean costly repairs or a shortened useful life. If you maintain your car well, it should last 200,000 miles or more. The longer you can put off replacing your car, the more money you save. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you’re no longer using for car payments. You could get your next car free and clear!
No one enjoys taking their car in for any maintenance or repairs. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. Oil changes are readily available at many convenient locations, including the corner service station and even Wal Mart. If you can combine this chore with shopping for instance, you’ll save time. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And many shops are trying to make their waiting areas more pleasant and convenient. Many make the wait time seem shorter with amenties like coffee and snacks and free wi-fi.
I think it’s wise for most of us to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. It’s inexpensive, easy and smart. So pick a shop and get into the habit. When you’re still driving your paid-off car and it’s still reliable, you’ll be glad that you invested a little extra time and money.
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Tags: car maintainence, oil change