-: OIL SERVICES :-
Q: why Oil change ?
A: One of the few maintenance items that automobile manufacturers
have not found a way to eliminate. Regular oil changes are the best way
to ensure longer engine life. If you frequently take short trips where the
car doesn't always completely warm up, then oil changes are even more
important because acid and moisture build up does not have a chance to
burn off.
Some new engines normally run very hot and are very hard on oil.
Even missing a single oil change on these cars can cause an engine to
develop sludge which can cause engine damage in a car with as little as
15,000 miles on the odometer.
Today's modern oils contain detergents and
additives that are designed to protect against sludge formation, but if you
regularly do a lot of stop and go driving, like rush hour driving, engine
heat will eventually break down these additives so that they stop protecting
your engine. Sludge problems are NOT covered by a new car warrantee.
You could be stuck with a bill for major engine work! It happens more times
than you think, usually to people who lease their car and think that they can
get away with not doing proper maintenance. The best way to protect yourself
is with regular oil changes and make sure that you save your receipts.
When an oil change service is referred to as an "Oil, Lube & Filter," the "lube"
is a chassis lubrication where the mechanic applies grease to various steering
and suspension joints under the car.
Most modern cars are manufactured
with sealed-for-life joints that do not have grease fittings; however
if any of these parts were replaced, the new parts probably do have lubrication
points and must be greased to prevent premature wear. If you have had parts replaced,
make sure that the mechanic knows it or he may overlook them.
Doing an oil change yourself does not require much skill, but crawling under a car
and having oil drip down your sleeve is hardly worth the few bucks or so that you might save.
Then,you have to deal with the old oil and filter. I could think of a more productive
way to spend a Saturday afternoon.