An oil and filter change involves draining out the old motor oil and replacing it with fresh, new motor oil. The oil filter also gets replaced at the same time. This is a simple thing for your auto repair shop to do, and it a reasonably priced service. Without it, the results could be costly and devastating. Having your oil and oil filter changed is likely to generate the single biggest return on your routine-maintenance investment. Replacing the dirty oil and filter will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It’s important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage. This type of preventative maintenance can save you thousands of dollars if you were to have your engine replaced. Many parts of the engine are also extremely costly, not making repairs a simple service.

Oil undergoes thermal breakdown due to high operating temperatures. When this occurs, the oil becomes less effective as a lubricant. And without a good lubricant (very expensive), parts of the engine rub together and wear each other out. Oil also contains additives that have the ability to neutralize acids. Over time, these additives get used up and stop being effective. Finally, oil can absorb water, dust and combustion byproducts and also hold them in suspension. Eventually, the oil gets saturated with this stuff and can’t absorb any more. Then that stuff remains in the engine and can cause corrosion. As stated on Car Talk without clean oil and oil changes, “your engine won’t last as long as it could. Oil serves many crucial functions, and clean oil performs those functions better than dirty oil.”

With some oil changes, the auto repair shop will top off all of your car’s fluids, lubricate the chassis, doors and hinges, and also perform a 24-point inspection which includes fluid levels, tire wear condition, multi rib belt, engine coolant hoses, the horn, headlight, external lighting systems, windshield wipers, the suspension, and your battery. Get your oil changed by a trusted repair shop today. The money you pay for this preventative maintenance could be the best move you’ll ever make.