Understanding Oil Change Intervals: Manufacturer Recommendations

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Having routine oil changes performed on your vehicle is vital in keeping it functioning well and reliably throughout the years. Since skipping even a single oil change for an extended period of time can cause catastrophic damage to your engine, performing regular oil changes is essential not only to keep your vehicle running its best but also to keep repair costs down. 

At Ramona Tire, we understand the importance of performing a routine oil change on your vehicle. This is why we provide quality oil change services in Southern California on all make and model vehicles. We're dedicated to helping drivers maintain their vehicles according to manufacturer recommendations, so you can keep your cars running their best – no matter how many miles are on the odometer. For quality oil change services schedule an appointment at Ramona Tire.

The Importance of Your Engine's Oil 

Your motor oil is responsible for cooling, lubricating, and cleaning the many moving parts inside your engine. As your engine operates, these moving parts generate immense heat and require constant lubrication. Without oil, these moving parts would overheat from friction and cause irreversible engine damage. 

With fresh oil in your car, your engine can continue to run reliably, minimizing its chances of breakdown. However, your oil can only do its job for a while. As your oil circulates through your engine, it gets dirtier, and its chemical properties change. Once this happens, your oil can't entirely protect your engine like it once could – this is why regular oil changes are so significant.

Neglecting an oil change means that even if oil is in your engine, friction could still be rising, contaminants in your oil could cause your engine temperatures to increase, and your engine could still suffer damage. 

For this reason, routine oil changes are vital to keeping your engine running its best while promoting longevity and minimizing your chances of breakdown. 

Understanding Manufacturer Recommendations

Regarding a vehicle's oil change, each manufacturer has recommendations based on the engineering of a particular make and model. For most vehicles, the oil change intervals will depend mainly on the type of oil that the engine requires. This is because three types of oil each provide its own level of protection. For example, a vehicle engineered to run on conventional oil will require more frequent oil changes than a vehicle engineered to run on full synthetic oil. 

Here are the three main soil types and how they protect your vehicle:

• Conventional oil. This type of oil provides the most basic level of protection for an engine. Conventional oil can protect your engine up to temperatures of 275°F and typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

• Synthetic blend oil. Typically referred to as high mileage oil- can withstand temperatures of up to 400°F and provides better protection than conventional oil. Synthetic blend typically requires an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

• Full synthetic. Full synthetic oil provides the best protection for your engine. Capable of withstanding temperatures of 500°F, this type of oil typically needs to be changed 7,500 to 10,000 miles. 

When Is It Okay to Deviate from Manufacturer Recommendations?

There are instances when your owner's manual may provide service recommendations, but you can provide better protection for your vehicle. Some engines, such as those that are naturally aspirated, are designed to run on conventional oil. Therefore, the owner's manuals for these vehicles may recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles. However, because synthetic oil provides better protection and leaves your engine cleaner than conventional oil, it is acceptable to use synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. 

It's important to note that deviating from manufacturer recommendations is acceptable because synthetic blend and full synthetic oil provide enhanced protection over conventional oil. 

When It Is Not Okay to Deviate from Manufacturer Recommendations

Some engines are designed to run exclusively on full synthetic oil. This is a common practice for many foreign automakers using high-performance or turbocharged engines. In the owner's manuals of these vehicles, you'll commonly find manufacturers' recommendations that state that they are too strictly useful synthetic oil for these types of vehicles and perform an oil change roughly every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. 

Because full synthetic oil is required for these types of engines, it could cause catastrophic damage to conventional or even synthetic blends. Because these oils do not provide the required protection that these types of engines need, using a lesser oil, such as a conventional or synthetic blend, could result in thousands of dollars in damage.

The Dangers of Not Changing Oil on Time 

Not changing your oil on time or using an oil that provides less protection than your engine needs could result in irreversible engine damage. Here are some of the symptoms that it's time for a manufacturer-recommended oil change:

• Service light illuminated
• Engine oil levels are low 
• Exhaust smoke 
• Rough idle
• Reduced fuel economy
• Illuminated oil light

Schedule Service at Our Southern CA Auto Shop

At Ramona Tire, receiving a quality oil change is a seamless experience. We feature a team of ASE-certified mechanics who can perform quality oil change services in Southern California on all vehicles.

Whether you drive a hybrid, a sports car, a pickup truck, or an SUV, our mechanics are here to provide the quality services you need for your vehicle. We even offer service coupons that allow you to receive quality service while enjoying competitive prices. Schedule an appointment today and trust Ramona Tire for an expert oil change on your vehicle.