5 Myths About Motor Oil Changes
Whether you do it yourself or let a professional mechanic do the work, changing your motor oil is one of the most crucial maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle in good health.
Some myths persist, however, and we thought it would be a good idea to set the record straight. Here are some examples:
- Also: DIY Oil Change: What Should You Do With Your Used Oil?
- Also: Ontario Pickup Owner Hit with $19K Bill for Skipping Oil Changes
1. You Must Change Your Oil Every 5,000 km
It used to be true at one time, but today’s engine and oil technologies have evolved considerably. It’s not rare to see manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals between 8,000 and 15,000 km now. You should always follow what’s written inside the owner’s manual.
2. Oil Change Intervals Can Be Extended
What we just talked about doesn’t mean that an engine can be run for very long periods without an oil change, though. Over time, the oil’s properties deteriorate, and it loses its ability to properly lubricate important components. This causes friction that wears the parts more rapidly. It’s wise not to wait too long after your vehicle’s recommended interval has passed to change your oil.
3. Once You Start Using Synthetic Oil, You Can’t Go Back
The benefits of synthetic motor oil are well-documented, so many drivers choose that option when changing their oil. However, the fact that you must keep using that same type of oil until the end is a myth. As long as you lubricate your engine with the right oil grade recommended by the manufacturer, you can switch back and forth between mineral and synthetic oils without any problem.
4. When Your Oil Is Black, You Must Change It Immediately
Fresh motor oil is typically translucent and has an amber colour, but it slowly gets darker with every use. The same goes for the additives and the contaminants that accumulate in the oil over time (dust, dirt, metallic debris, etc.). If you pull the oil gauge and see that the oil is black, don’t panic, especially if you’ve followed the recommended interval. But if your vehicle has been regularly subjected to conditions that are harsher than usual, you should replace the oil sooner rather than later.
5. The Oil Filter Isn’t That Important
You think you can save money by buying a cheap filter? Think again. This is even more true with synthetic oil because a low-quality filter can severely impair the efficiency and lifespan of the oil that was just installed in your car. During your next appointment, don’t forget to make sure that your new filter will be a good match for the oil you’ve chosen.