The useful life of a vehicle takes into account several factors; An important factor is maintenance. Millions of people neglect their vehicles and when they need it most, it can suddenly die. This can happen to both old cars and new cars, so it’s important to keep up with scheduled maintenance. It’s important to keep up with things like fluid changes, filters, and transmission services; Otherwise, a car can break down, forcing the owner to pay for expensive repairs or parts. It’s important to schedule an oil change per the manufacturer’s suggestion, which is on average every six months or 3000 miles; This helps to ensure that your car is running smoothly and that the engine is not clogged with dirt. Consider these three reasons why you should change your oil.

• Longevity – If you want to maintain your vehicle for a long time, you’ll want to do it often. Oil changes are inexpensive, and the service includes filter replacement and new oil that will keep your engine lubricated and running optimally. You can do it yourself or, for a small fee, you can visit a quick lube place and have a mechanic do it for you. One of the benefits of having a professional perform an oil change is that they dispose of used oil and often check other fluids as a courtesy. A car that gets its oil changed regularly will run much longer than cars that don’t get regular care.
• Mud – You may have seen the commercials about engine sludge, but if you haven’t, you may not know that dirty oil clogs and ruins engine parts. When an engine builds up acid, it causes irreversible damage to internal moving parts. When an engine is damaged, it will need to be replaced or repaired and the costs are much higher than a simple oil change.
• Stress – If you’re planning a long road trip or traveling through mountainous terrain, you’ll need all the power and engine prowess you can get. If you have changed your oil regularly, you will find that your car will run fine, but if you have neglected scheduled maintenance, you will find that the car will have a harder time going up hills and the engine could overheat. You don’t want to put unnecessary stress on your engine in these situations, especially if it’s snowing or raining heavily.

The above are just three reasons to change your oil regularly. Regular oil changes are just one of many necessary preventative maintenance routines you should schedule for your vehicle. You’ll find that you get peace of mind when your car receives the proper care. Don’t forget to change the oil in your vehicle as it is one of the easiest things you can do to increase the life of your car. If you’re not sure how often to change your oil, check your owner’s manual. Every vehicle is different, so consulting your manual is the easiest way to find this information.