oil and oil filter change

What do engine oil and the oil filter do?

Your engine oil is designed to keep your engine's internal workings running smoothly and safely. Oil protects moving parts by removing friction and, in doing so, prolongs their life. For a relatively small expense, an oil and filter change adds years to the life of your engine.

Not only does an oil change boost your engine's performance and extend its longevity, but it can also give your car its peak fuel mileage, which means even more savings!

Why should I get a car engine oil change?

Your car's engine oil can lose its efficacy over time, so it is important to have an oil change frequently to keep your car system healthy and prevent harm to essential parts of the engine system.

As oil is used and degrades, more sludge and filth accumulate in your car's system, and additional impurities from internal combustion might also enter the system. An engine oil filter keeps the oil as pure as possible as it travels around the engine, preventing it from going throughout the entire oil system.

Keep in mind that even a well-maintained engine will generate dirt and deposits that alter the oil's quality.

How often should I change my engine oil?

When an engine oil change is due, it's not always obvious when you should do this unless your dashboard alerts you to the need. Your car's manufacturer will advise you on an appropriate oil change schedule based on the type of vehicle you drive.

One good rule of thumb is that you should typically change your car's oil every 3,000 miles. For precise information on when to change your engine oil, consult your owner's manual. If you don't have this handy, though, don't worry - there are some other convenient indicators that your car's oil needs to be changed.

How do I know when my oil needs changing?

Though oil's lubricating qualities only work for so long, oil is necessary at all times to keep the moving parts in your engine lubricated. You can figure out whether your car needs an oil change in a few easy ways:

• The colour has become dim (on the dipstick).

• When the dipstick is checked, the oil seems grainy and coarse.

• Even with routine topping off, the oil level continues to decline.

• A rise in engine noise - ticking, knocking, or grinding - due to an increase in engine parts rubbing together.

• Smoke is coming from the engine.

• You smell the scent of burning oil.

• The dashboard has an illuminated oil warning light.

• High mileage/a long time since the last oil change.

How do I check my oil?

If you want to avoid an expensive surprise, you'll need to check your oil every so often. Most auto specialists say you should check your oil after every other fuel-up.

First of all, allow your car's engine to cool down, and park your car on a flat surface. Then, pinpoint your engine oil dipstick. This will have an orange or red pull tab.

Remove your dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Now put the dipstick back in, pushing it all the way in. Leave it in for a few seconds, before taking it out again. Look at where the oil level is, and compare that to the oil level indicator on the dipstick.

You should also look at the scent and colour of your oil. Clean oil is clear amber, not green, red, or pink. A sweet smell is also suspect.

Does an engine oil & filter change count as a car service?

While changing the engine oil and filter is indeed a crucial component of automotive maintenance, an oil change and oil filter change are not considered as services because they do not include all of the vehicle inspections needed to reset the service light and stamp your logbook. With our engine oil and filter change, you can provide your car with dependable performance and peace of mind until your next service is due.

You should go for an interim service or full service if your car is in need of closer attention.

Can't I just add oil to my car by myself?

Topping off the oil in your car is okay up to a point, if you urgently need an oil change. However, topping up the oil that's already in your car can mean that the dirt in the existing oil simply contaminates the new oil. This means your engine parts are still just as at risk as before.

That being said, topping off your oil is okay if you need to drive your car to get an oil change.

What happens when you book an engine oil and filter change with Fixter ?

Our expert mechanics from our partner auto-care centres will drain the engine oil, refill it, and then replace your oil filter so you can safely get back on the road.