Ultimate Guide to Oil Changes

While most drivers are aware of the importance of having an oil change, the details and specifics about this service are not as clear. To provide insight, Marthaler Honda of Ashland has created a definitive guide to oil changes. Let's take a closer look at the oil change and everything you need to know. 

Does My Vehicle Really Need Motor Oil? 

Just as your body requires blood, your vehicle requires fresh, nutrient-rich motor oil. And motor oil plays several vital roles in your vehicle's performance. Some of the most common include:

1. Reduce wear and tear and minimize friction. The most common and essential function of motor oil is to reduce the impact of friction. 
2. Cleans your engine parts. Motor oil includes special additives and detergents that work to clean engine parts. More so, motor oil suspends contaminants in the fluid and prevents them from sticking to key parts. 
3. Cools engine parts. Motor oil helps absorb heat and move it away from important components.
4. Creates a seal. Motor oil helps seal piston rings against the cylinder wall to prevent contamination.
5. Dampening shocks. It acts like a cushion to absorb the blow of mechanical shock.
6. Prevents corrosion. Motor oil creates a barrier or neutralizes corrosive products. 
7. Transfers energy. Since motor oil is incompressible, it helps transfer energy. 

Over time, the specialized additives and detergents in motor oil are used up, and motor oil loses its ability to work as intended. This is why it's vital to have regular oil changes. 

How Often Should I Have My Oil Changed in Ashland?

In the not-so-distant past, the consensus was to have an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles. However, due to advancements in technology, this is typically no longer the case on more modern vehicles. Instead, most manufacturers will suggest you have the oil changed every 5,000 miles.

This interval can range from vehicle to vehicle. As such, it's best to refer to your owner's manual for specific oil change interval instructions for your vehicle. When you do check out the owners manual, you will usually see two different distinctions that can impact how often you have an oil change:

• Normal Driving requires the manufacturer's standard oil change interval. 
• Severe Driving may require more frequent oil changes. 

What Is Normal Driving vs Severe Driving? 

Similar to oil change intervals, each manufacturer's definition of severe driving vs normal driving can range. In either case, severe driving normally means you encounter or perform the following functions:

• Drive regularly in stop-and-go traffic
• Drive in freezing temperatures
• Hauling a roof rack or towing a trailer
• You make frequent trips
• Driving in extreme heat 
• Driving on mountainous roads
• Driving on roads that have been salted

Understanding the Different Types of Oil

There are several types of oil, but most can be segmented into four different varieties:

1. Conventional Motor Oil
2. Synthetic Oil
3. Synthetic Oil Blends
4. High Mileage Oil  

Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil or traditional motor oil is recommended for vehicles that have simpler engine designs. These motor oils can be formulated in a vast range of quality levels and viscosity grades. 

Synthetic Oil

First things first, synthetic oil isn't 100% manmade. Instead, synthetic oil has gone through a chemically engineered process. The molecules are more uniform in shape and have better properties as well as fewer impurities than conventional oil. In general, synthetic oil has better low-temperature and extreme-temperature performance. And synthetic oils are typically created with higher-performing additives. 

Synthetic Motor Oil Blend

Synthetic motor oil blends use a mixture of conventional and synthetic motor oils for extra resistance to oxidation. These motor oils typically offer excellent low-temperature performance properties.

High-Mileage Motor Oil

As the name suggests, high-mileage motor oil is designed for newer vehicles with more than 75,000 miles or late-model vehicles. This type of motor oil has unique additives that help prevent leaks and reduce oil burnoff. 

Oil-Related Warning Lights

While your vehicle can't talk, it can communicate with you through the use of different dashboard indicator lights. Some of the most common dashboard indicator lights that are related to your vehicle's engine oil include:

1. The "Oil Light" can be illuminated when there is an issue with oil pressure. 
2. The "Low Oil" Light indicates your oil is below or at the recommended level. 
3. The "Oil Change Light" lets you know that, based on your driving habits, it's time for an oil change.

If you notice any of these indicator lights, don't hesitate to reach out to the team at Marthaler Honda of Ashland for diagnostics. 

Where Can I Get the Best Honda Oil Change in Ashland? 

If you're looking for the best Honda oil change, the team at Marthaler Honda of Ashland will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. At Marthaler Honda of Ashland, we utilize factory-trained technicians who leverage the latest and most advanced techniques directly from the manufacturer. As Honda specialists, we have an intimate understanding of every part and component of your vehicle. And this specialization helps us deliver the best oil change services for Hondas at the best price. 

Contact Marthaler Honda of Ashland today to schedule an oil change for your vehicle.