One of the easiest ways to prolong and improve your vehicles performance is to complete regularly scheduled oil changes. Since the economic downturn people more than ever are trying to extend the longevity of their vehicles. Most certified mechanics recommend that you change conventional oil every 3,000 miles and synthetic oil at about every 5,000 miles. Although the 3,000 mile rule has been around for many years now, some auto makers are stating that their newest vehicles can go for almost 10,000 miles without an oil change. In addition most mechanics suggest that you change the oil filter every time you make an oil change.

Not changing your oil can result in a plethora of problems that center around costly repairs that could have been avoid with a basic oil change. Oil changes are relatively inexpensive and are a car maintenance necessity. The oil inside your engine acts as a vital lubricant allowing the metal parts to move smoothly. If your oil is not changed in a timely manner it can result in engine sludge. This sludge inside of your engine will cut down its performance dramatically. When this occurs your gas mileage will suffer greatly and overheating on hot summer days is more likely to happen.

When a car is running the movement of the engine creates particles of debris which will find their way into the oil of the engine. When changing the oil it clears out all of these harmful pieces of debris which are causing damage to the internal components of the engine. Frequent oil changes will most defiantly contribute to a cleaner and better working engine. It has also been proven that the most common causes of engine wear are caused by friction. Therefore by completing these oil changes you dramatically decrease your chance of engine failure in your vehicle.

A common misunderstanding is that people think dark oil means dirty oil. In reality dark oil signifies that the oil is doing its job. In time motor oil will break down, this is why it needs to be replaced. Today oil has become an advanced science that involves additives that slow the degradation process down. But as with all oil it will eventually break down over time as the vehicle is used. As we take a look back on what we have discussed about engine oil, here are some important reasons why one should change their oil on a consistent basis, reduced friction, stable temperature, cleaner engine, better mileage and lower emissions.