Changing motor oil is a crucial part of your vehicle's maintenance. However, if you're a rookie, it can seem like a daunting task. Learn tips to do a good job at it with this post by Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego.
You want your engine to keep running for a long time, right? If you do, you should change its motor oil regularly. Doing so will help you maintain the engine, save money on its upkeep, keep your engine performing as expected, keep you safer, and lower your emissions.
Still, changing motor oil can seem a bit overwhelming if you've never done it before. For easy tips to help you do it expertly, continue reading the post below.
How to Provide an Expert Synthetic Oil Change in San Diego
Use Only the Best Oil for Your Engine
You're making an effort to maintain your engine perfectly. Don't let it all go to waste on cheap and underwhelming products. Using the best synthetic motor oil on the market will guarantee your engine will perform better than ever.
Keep an Eye Out for the Oil
First things first: you need to inspect the engine's oil regularly. It's the only way to know if you need to change it or not. Doing it every couple of months will help you stay on top of its needs. It will also help you be aware of any leaks.
The dipstick is a stick that can tell you the oil levels. It has two marks, one higher than the other. The goal is to get the oil between the two to ensure your engine is adequately protected. Here's a quick tutorial on how to read the dipstick to figure out the oil levels:
Park the car in even terrain to avoid wrong readings.
Wait for the engine to cool down.
Take the dipstick out of its spot and wipe it clean.
Dip it back in for a couple of seconds and take it back out.
Notice the oil level and draw some conclusions.
If the oil is close to or over the top mark, it is too full, and you'll need to drain some of it. If the oil is below the bottom mark, refill it and check for leaks.
Know if the Engine Needs an Oil Replacement
Aside from the oil levels and the dipstick test, there are other ways to determine if your engine needs an oil replacement. Here are a few of them:
You haven't changed the oil in over a year.
You've used the same oil for over 3,000 miles.
The oil is dirty (it's coarse and a dark brown color).
Colder oil can be stiffer and harder to drain and replace. To make the job easier, warm it up for a couple of minutes. Turn the engine on for no more than five minutes. If you overdo it, you could burn yourself.
Use a Jack Stand
Some people use a jack alone to support the vehicle up. Still, remember that you need to get under the vehicle, so you should ensure it's secure to avoid an accident. To that end, use a jack stand every time.
Call Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego at (800) 653-0323 or visit AMSOIL's online store to find products that will improve your vehicle's performance and increase its lifespan.
Tighten the Fill Cap With Your Hands
The fill cap needs to be tightened precisely. Otherwise, oil could leak. For this reason, you should avoid using a wrench on it. Instead, check the instructions to see how many rotations it needs and use your hands to get it there.
Document the Oil Replacements
It's essential to be aware of your oil replacements. Doing so will help you know when you did it last and how many oil bottles you used. To that end, write it all down in a notebook or on your phone.
Finding the perfect synthetic oil for your engine is key to keeping it in top shape. Call Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego at (800) 653-0323 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the synthetic oil that's right for your vehicle.