When most people are young, they look forward to the freedom of getting a license and a car. The freedom to drive where you want whenever you want is a huge change in most young people's lives. 

But while many young people are excited about putting rubber to the road, more experienced car drivers know just how much routine maintenance a vehicle can require… and just how much that routine maintenance can cost.

After all, it takes more than just gasoline to keep a car going, even one that is brand new. Routine car maintenance can include everything from going to a car wash, vacuuming the interior, replacing burnt-out headlights or taillights, changing the brake pads, getting new tires, and more.

But one of the most critical components of routine maintenance is something that many people push off, much to their car's detriment. After all, we all know what motor oil is, at least in theory, but what does a motor oil change really do for your car?

Benson CDJ is here to tell you that regular oil changes are more important than you might think. In fact, waiting too long to get your oil changed can cause serious engine issues down the road.

Not to worry! Benson CDJ can help you with your oil change and servicing needs to keep your car running smoothly. But first, read on to learn about the ins and outs of motor oil changes.

Everything You Need To Know About Oil

One of the most critical components of keeping your vehicle in excellent condition is your car's motor oil. Oil, often called engine oil or motor oil interchangeably, has a huge hand to play in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.

But outside of the fact that you need to get your oil changed, there is a lot about motor oil and the process of an oil change that many people aren't aware of. In fact, most people don't even know what exactly engine oil is or why it is so critical for your car's engine.

There are a slew of oils and fluids that come into play in an engine, so when we talk about an oil change, it is specifically in reference to engine oil or motor oil. Motor oil is specifically designed to lubricate and cool components in your engine, such as pistons, bearings, valves, and cylinder walls. 

The fast-moving parts of your engine generally heat up quite a bit while your engine is running, and the heat and friction can cause your engine to deteriorate quickly. Engine oil keeps these cool and lubricated to keep your engine in good health for as long as possible.

Oil is so important and does such a good job at lubricating and cooling that if your vehicle sprung a significant oil leak while driving, your engine would quickly and quite easily be ruined.

Because of your engine's reliance on motor oil, though, and its exposure to heat and dirt over time, the oil begins to break down chemically and lose its lubricating properties. Replacing old motor oil with new oil refreshes those lubricating properties, which can then increase your engine's performance, longevity, gas mileage, and more.

What Is An Oil Change?

Put simply, an oil change service replaces your old motor oil with new oil. As the oil does its job, it can collect metal particles and debris from the moving engine parts. This, in addition to the oil degradation due to heat, causes the oil to be less effective at lubricating and cooling all of those moving parts in your engine.

An oil change drains out all of the old engine oil and replaces it with fresh oil and a new oil filter. Changing the oil filter every time you get an oil change gives your oil the longest possible lifespan. 

Just like oil, however, the life of your oil filter is limited. As the oil picks up debris and metal shavings, the filter collects them to allow less of the gunk to continue running through your engine. But like other types of filters, it will eventually clog and be unable to continue to filter out the gunk. 

Replacing the oil filter every oil change prevents debris from being recirculated through your engine, which can potentially cause damage.

How Do I Check My Oil?

Most modern vehicles have an OLMS or an Oil Life Monitoring System. Even with an OLMS, however, it is important to keep track of your motor oil level manually. Different people might recommend doing this in different ways, but always consult your car's Owner's Manual for the manufacturer-recommended method to check your oil level - this will give you the most accurate dipstick reading.

In general, however, checking your vehicle's oil level is quite simple and can be done by going to a mechanic or by checking it yourself. While some people might find checking it themselves intimidating, the process is so simple that all you need is a paper towel, rag, or napkin.

To assess your oil, open the hood of your car to access your engine. Make sure your engine is cool so as to guarantee that you're not going to accidentally burn yourself.

Find the dipstick first. If you're not sure where it is or it isn't labeled, you can check your Owner's Manual for specific directions on where to find it. Then, simply pull out the dipstick, clean it with your paper towel or rag, replace the dipstick, then slowly pull it out again.

When you pull it out the second time, not the level of the oil on the dipstick. There should be markings for "low" and "high" on the dipstick itself. If your oil level is low, if the color is anything other than black or brown, or if there are visible dirt particles, it is time to take your vehicle in for an oil change.

How Often Do I Need To Change My Oil?

The OLMS monitors your vehicle's operating conditions. It also monitors other factors, including engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven to tell you exactly when to come in for an oil change. As soon as you see the OLMS light come on, it is time for your car to be serviced.

If your vehicle doesn't have an OLMS, check your Owner's Manual to see the recommended Service and Maintenance Schedule. This will recommend how often to take your car in for servicing.

Oil manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers differ in their advice on recommended frequency for oil changes. A good rule of thumb, however, is to change both every three to six months or every 3,000-7,000 miles, whichever comes first. These ranges generally maximize oil life while minimizing engine wear and tear.

The type of oil you use, however, can significantly affect the frequency. Synthetic oil can last closer to 6,000-7,000 miles, while conventional oil generally only lasts around 3,000 miles. Semi-synthetic lands somewhere in the middle.

What Happens If I Don't Change My Oil?

Since debris can build up in your oil and your oil filter, it is important to get it changes regularly. But what happens if you skip the oil change?

In the very short term, you might not notice a whole lot of difference. But as time goes on, it can cause significant issues, both in magnitude and quantity. The debris that builds up in the engine gets recirculated through the engine again and again, leading to lowered performance, faster deterioration of the engine, corrosion, sludge accumulation, overheating, and even total engine failure.

What Are The Different Types Of Car Oil?

Whether you're changing your oil yourself or taking it into a shop, selecting the best oil for your vehicle is critical. Some vehicles have the option to choose between different types of oil, while others require something specific. 

Many vehicles will list the type or types of oil they can take in the Owner's Manual or under the hood, but service centers will often have the type of oil your car needs on hand in their database. Generally speaking, there are three types of oil.

Synthetic

Full synthetic engine oil is the most expensive type of oil on this list, but the extra cost means extra benefits. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional or synthetic-blend oil, which means that you don't have to get an oil change quite as frequently. 

Many high-performance vehicles require a full synthetic oil change since it is chemically enhanced to last longer and perform better. Full synthetic oil generally starts off with a base of highly refined conventional oil combined with high-performing additives to help the oil perform better. 

The chemically engineered full synthetic oil is more uniform in molecule shape with fewer impurities and better performance. It also performs better at extremely high and low temperatures than conventional oil.

Semi-Synthetic

Semi-synthetic oil or synthetic blend oil combines synthetic oil with conventional oil. The oil features many of the benefits of synthetic oil at a lower price point that many drivers find much more affordable.

Synthetic blend oil still offers a higher grade of oil than conventional varieties, using a blend of synthetic oils and conventional base oils to add resistance to oxidization and great low-temperature properties.

Conventional

Conventional oil is the old-school variety that has been in use for decades. Manufacturers recommend this oil for older vehicles. It is the most common type of oil and comes from newly refined crude oil.

Conventional oil comes in a range of viscosities and quality levels.

Choosing The Right Oil For Your Vehicle

While some vehicles require a specific type of oil to keep the car running smoothly, others leave it up to the driver's discretion. Choosing the right type of oil for you and your driving habits is essential for your vehicle's performance.

If you need help picking the right kind of oil, you can talk to a certified service expert at Benson CDJ's service center. Give us a call at 864-479-6676 or stop by our dealership at 415 W Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC 29650-1538 to talk to a member of our service team today.

Service Center At Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

When it comes to maintenance and repairs, the service center at Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is here to help you with all of your needs. With a trustworthy team of professionals, you don't have to stress out about your next oil change.

From oil changes to tire rotations, Benson CDJ can help you maintain your vehicle. Our certified mechanics can answer all of your questions and give your vehicle the top-notch care that it deserves.

It's never been simpler to schedule service. You can schedule service online at any time or give our service center a call. Need more than an oil change? No problem! In addition to a full-service oil change, we offer the following:

• Tire rotations

• Wheel alignments

• Fluid flushes

• Brake repairs

• Multi-point inspections

• And more!

While you get your service done, there is no need to stress about where you'll go or what you'll do. You can enjoy our amenities, including free Wi-Fi inside a cozy waiting area, or you can take advantage of our drop-off and shuttle services to get back to your busy schedule. We'll work fast, giving you quality service as quickly as we can to get you going back to your day.

Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram: Your One-Stop Shop For All Your Oil Needs

Now that you know how important your motor oil is to the well-being of your car, you might find it important to find a trustworthy place to come to get an oil change. The good news is that Benson CDJ is here to help you will all of your oil needs. 

We'd be honored to have you trust us with the care of your vehicle. Our highly trained service technicians will change your oil and tend your vehicle to keep it in tip-top shape for as long as possible!