Oil Change Myths

4 Myths About Fluid Service

What have you heard about oil changes that isn’t true? MJ Brothers Auto & Truck Repair in Raleigh, North Carolina is dispelling any confusion about this maintenance item.

1. The Oil Needs to Be Changed When It’s Dirty

If you understand what an oil change does for your vehicle, you might be concerned with how often you need to get them to protect your engine. You know that dirty oil can cause build-ups that harm performance, and you want to prevent that situation. If you inspect your oil and find that it is no longer the light amber color it was when you poured it in, you might be tempted to change it. Dirty oil is just a sign that it’s doing its job! Particles held in suspension will stay there, and you can safely follow the recommended oil change intervals without risking extra damage.

2. You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

Oil changes are no longer one-size-fits-all. Different engine configurations and performance levels require different types of engine oils and service intervals to protect the engine. Some newer vehicles may need changes only as often as 7,000 miles or more! Your best time estimate should come from your owner’s manual and driving habits.

3. Synthetic Oils Cause Leaks

When synthetic oils were first introduced, they didn’t always coincide well with the seals and gaskets used in the engine. The chemical-based fluids caused seals to shrink, leading to messy oil leaks and spills. Today’s synthetic oils are not made the same way. Because they are petroleum-based, they don’t cause the seals to shrink. If your manufacturer recommends a synthetic oil, you don’t need to second-guess it.

4. Oil Additives Improve Engine Performance

While this fact in itself is true, we want drivers to understand that these additives are already present in the oil when you purchase it. You don’t have to look for more solutions to add to the vehicle. Doing so could actually hurt performance by diluting the mixture that’s been optimized to protect metallic surfaces. However, you can ask your technician about oil that’s properly suited for your vehicle, such as one with additives specifically designed for older engines.