your vehicle in the best condition for as long as possible. Multiple factors influence the timeframe for an oil change, so keep reading to figure out when you’re due for one.
Determine What Type of Oil Your Lexus Uses
Depending on what type of oil you put into your car, the frequency of your oil changes can be impacted by thousands of miles. If you use non-synthetic oil, which is the cheaper option that most drivers regard as the default, Lexus manufacturers urge you to schedule an oil change every 5,000 miles. Drivers splurging on synthetic oil, which offers stronger temperature resistance but comes with a higher price tag, should plan an oil change every 10,000 miles.
Check the Outdoor Temperature
Even if your car is used rarely during the winter months, it can still experience wear and tear, especially with the engine and motor. Cold temperatures increase the viscosity of the oil, which can make it flow slower than usual or even stop flowing altogether.
In addition to the oil itself, cold weather can also place stress on the oil filter, and the higher viscosity of the oil can trigger a pressure build-up that eventually rips the filter.
Time Your Trips
The time that your engine consistently stays running is a large factor to determine when an oil change becomes a requirement. When you take frequent short trips, which are commonly defined as under ten miles, the oil isn’t able to become hot enough to boil off moisture condensation, and its lifespan decreases.
On the other hand, if most of your trips are at steady speeds, such as on the highway, you can wait longer for an oil change.
Count the Birthdays
As a general rule, older cars require more frequent oil changes than their newer counterparts for a variety of reasons. As your car ages, the engine’s component tolerance increases, which means that it requires more and more oil use as time goes on.
Because your older car needs a greater quantity of oil to continue functioning, you can prolong its lifespan with a trip to get the oil changed.
Consult Your Warranty
The most important and possibly the only consideration when considering when to get an oil change is, for many Lexus owners, the warranty. If you’re a warranty holder, it’s likely that you’re mandated to change the oil within a certain period of time determined by the manufacturer.
This is essential maintenance that you don’t want to skip. You wouldn’t want to lose warranty coverage in the case of an engine repair, if you haven’t been meeting the prescribed oil change schedule.
Once you’re aware of the influences that impact when you should swap out the oil, there’s no better time to schedule your next oil change in Englewood, NJ, than the present! Looking for more helpful automotive tips & tricks? We have you covered here at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood.
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