The Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Getting An Oil Change

Getting an oil change is one of the most common types of vehicle maintenance. You must keep on top of this scheduled maintenance task to ensure your car continues to run efficiently.

Just because you may have gotten many oil changes in the past, that does not mean that you can perform this task yourself. It is very common for vehicle owners to use a mechanic for oil changes. In the Cache Valley, your choice for the best oil changes should be Ethan’s Honest Automotive. Our technicians will have your oil changed and your vehicle returned to you in no time.

Before you hire a mechanic for your next oil change, you should make sure you understand everything about the process. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about getting an oil change.

How to Check Your Oil

One of the most important tasks as a vehicle owner is regular checking of your oil levels. Thankfully, the procedure for checking your oil is quite simple.

• Ensure the engine is off.

It’s best to check the oil when the engine is cool, as hot oil can lead to burns and skew your reading. Ideally, wait at least 30 minutes after driving.

• Open and secure the vehicle’s hood.
• Find the dipstick.
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth.
• Reinsert the dipstick completely.
• Pull out the dipstick again.
• Compare the oil level on the dipstick with the marks indicating proper oil levels.

Once you know your engine’s oil levels, reinsert the dipstick and close the hood.

If your oil levels are too low, you will need to add oil or schedule an oil change.

As you are checking the oil levels, you should also take note of the oil color. Black or brown oil is expected. If your oil is light-colored or looks milky, that could indicate a problem. Contact your mechanic for help.

If your oil appears foamy, milky, or smells like fuel, it could point to coolant contamination or fuel dilution—both of which require immediate attention from a professional.

Procedure for Oil Changes

Eventually, you will need to schedule an oil change. You should understand the oil-changing procedure even if you do not do this task yourself. This knowledge ensures you are informed about the entire process. If your mechanic finds an issue during the oil change, knowing the process can help you make decisions about the next steps.

Plus, understanding how a proper oil change is done helps protect you from unnecessary upsells or rushed service that might skip critical steps like inspecting seals or checking for leaks.

Additionally, better-informed customers will make better choices when hiring mechanics. You will not have to just trust what your mechanic tells you about their oil changes. You will know the exact process they should be following.

Here are the ten steps of a basic oil change.

1. Raise the vehicle on a lift. If you are changing the oil yourself, you may need to use jack stands instead of the lift.
2. Put the catch pan underneath the vehicle and remove the plug. Once the plug is removed, the oil will begin draining into the catch pan.
3. While the oil drains, the vehicle is inspected. This is a great time for your mechanic to find any glaring problems with your vehicle.
4. Put the plug back in and tighten it to the manufacturer-specified torque. You will find the torque information in your owner’s manual.
5. Take out the old oil filter. Throw the old filter away after you remove it.

It’s a good habit to inspect the old filter for metal shavings or unusual debris—this could reveal early signs of engine wear or internal damage.

1. Remove the old O-ring and clean the engine mounting plate.
2. Put lube on the new filter and attach it. You can attach the new filter and O-ring by hand.
3. Remove the cap and add new oil to the vehicle. Your mechanic can help you determine the best oil for your vehicle. You can also consult your owner’s manual for this information.
4. Replace the cap, then start the vehicle. The vehicle will need to run for at least 30 seconds to circulate the new oil.
5. Stop the vehicle, lower it, and check the oil level. If your oil level does not match your manufacturer’s recommendations, your mechanic will add more.

While many DIY oil changers remember the oil itself, they often underestimate the importance of the oil filter. A clean filter ensures that microscopic metal particles and sludge don’t recirculate through your engine. Always replace the filter during an oil change—and don’t forget to check the rubber gasket comes off with the old one.

Different Types of Oil

Today, there are many types of oil to choose from. Weight and whether the engine oil is synthetic or conventional determine the oil types. There are four main types of oil for domestic vehicles.

Choosing the right oil also depends on your driving habits. If you frequently drive in extreme temperatures or haul heavy loads, a synthetic or high-mileage option may provide better protection.

• Conventional: This is standard motor oil manufactured from crude oil and refined in a factory. Different viscosities and weights are available. Conventional oil is the most cost-effective option but is not always appropriate for newer vehicles.
• Synthetic: This is oil that is completely manufactured in a lab. It is extremely high quality, but much more expensive than conventional oil. Almost all new vehicles now recommend synthetic oil.
• Synthetic blend: This type of oil uses both manufactured and refined oil. The hybrid nature of this oil type cuts down on the cost, but the oils do not last as long as fully synthetic engine oil.
• High-mileage: This oil type is ideal for older vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles on them. It includes additives that protect engine seals.

How Often to Get An Oil Change?

How often your vehicle needs an oil change will vary. The general recommendations are to change your oil every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, these recommendations will differ depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Older vehicles may require more frequent oil changes. Older recommendations were to change your oil every three months. However, newer vehicles can wait longer in between oil changes. Vehicles that use synthetic oils need oil changes less frequently. You may be able to wait for 10,000–12,000 miles for oil changes in those vehicles.

Your owner’s manual will provide recommendations for your unique vehicle’s oil change schedule. Your mechanic can also help you determine this information.

Additionally, if your vehicle has an oil life monitoring system, pay attention to it. These systems base recommendations on real-time driving conditions and can extend intervals safely.

Why Choose Ethan’s For Your Oil Changes?

The mechanics at Ethan’s Honest Automotive provide the best oil changes in Logan, Utah, and the surrounding areas. We are known for our professionalism, transparency, and expertise. No matter your vehicle’s make or model, we can change its oil. Foreign or domestic cars, we can handle them all at Ethan’s Honest Automotive.

We also follow environmentally responsible practices when disposing of used oil and filters, so you can feel confident your routine maintenance isn’t harming the planet.

If you want an oil change from a trusted provider that will never charge for unneeded services or repairs, then you need to try Ethan’s Honest Automotive. Contact us today to learn how our mechanics can help your vehicle run at optimum efficiency.

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