Oil Change Collinsville, IL

Protect  Your Engine with Routine Oil Changes

Modern vehicles perform better than ever before, but to keep them in the best shape, you still need to keep up with routine oil changes. You can rely on Jack Schmitt Ford of Collinsville, IL, to deliver the very best in regular service for your car, truck, or SUV.  

Do Oil Changes Protect  Your Engine?

They definitely do. Engine oil is one of the most critical components in your vehicle. It lubricates all the moving parts of your engine. Engine oil reduces friction, transfers heat, and absorbs the many byproducts of combustion to keep your engine running smoothly. You can imagine motor oil as the food your engine needs to perform. If you're really hungry, you soon find it difficult to focus or find the strength you need. A car's engine is the same way, and routine oil changes keep it from being hungry.

How Much Oil Does Your Car Need?

The amount of oil your vehicle needs depends on what type of vehicle it is and often on the engine size. The amount of oil your engine needs can range from four quarts to much more. The average four-cylinder engine usually needs four quarts, but if it's a larger four-cylinder, it might need five quarts. Big V8 engines can take as many as eight quarts or more. To find out for sure, you can check your owner's manual. At Jack Schmitt Ford of Collinsville, our service experts know exactly how much oil your vehicle needs.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

In the past, it was often recommended to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, thanks to today's synthetic oil and more efficient engines, that number is usually much higher and can vary widely. Fortunately, most modern cars also have oil change indicators that will tell you when you need an oil change in Collinsville, IL. Your engine oil will likely need to be changed more frequently if you engage in stressful driving conditions such as towing, hauling, or driving off-road.

Should You Top Off Your Oil?

If you find that your oil level is low, you can certainly top it off in an emergency, but it shouldn't be considered a replacement for a complete oil change. Simply adding new oil doesn't do much because the new oil just mixes in with the old oil. A complete oil change involves draining all the old oil and replacing it with fresh oil. It also involves removing the old oil filter and replacing it with a new one. New oil and a new filter work together to ensure that your engine is protected and lubricated.