There’s Nothing Routine About a Routine Oil Change
It’s Just an Oil Change, Right? Think again!
So, the shop down the street tells you to change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or three months. Another shop might suggest switching to synthetic oil to lengthen out that process. A friend might point you to newly-developed synthetic products that promise up to 20,000 miles or 12 months of engine lubrication and protection.
Who do you trust?
Two Reasons Engine Oil Can’t Last Forever, Yet
Though engineers are working on a “lifetime” motor oil, it hasn’t been figured out yet—unlike transmission and brake fluids, which now often don’t have to be changed out.
For now, there are two reasons why your oil needs regular flushing and replacement. First, the additive package that resists the factors that break down oil becomes depleted after time. This depletion oxidizes the oil and increases acidity, leading to component corrosion. Second, contaminants build up and need to be flushed. Without changing it out, the filter clogs, a bypass opens, and unfiltered oil circulates in the engine, rapidly wearing down the internal parts of the engine.
Back in the Day
Low-quality mineral-based motor oils demand constant attention, making the 3,000-mile 3-month rule sensible. But manufacturers now list intervals as high as 15,000 miles. These shifts are due to improved engine design, computer-controlled engine management, and improvements in oil chemistry. Your 70s gas guzzler was not tightly-sealed—fuel washed down the cylinder walls, and combustion forced fuel, air, and moisture past the rings and into the crankcase. Today’s vehicles much more efficiently manage these processes, which means your oil no longer has to be changed every few months.
Condition-based Service
Newer Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, and MINIs keep track of, not just of mileage and time between oil changes, but also the type of driving you are doing. It notes stop-and-go driving, frequent short trips, extreme heat or cold, and dozens of other factors. Onboard computer systems then notify you that, based on these conditions, your car requires service.
What does all of this mean for you? That there’s nothing routine about routine service. The complexity of today’s European vehicles demands repair and maintenance experts. A shop that services every make and model doesn’t have the equipment and experience to deal with today’s highly sophisticated vehicles. Dealerships, on the other hand, have the expertise, but the prices are sky-high. What’s a high-performance car owner in Seattle supposed to do?
The pros at EuroCar Service understand how important an extraordinarily-engineered car is to you. We provide cutting edge procedures for the service and maintenance of your Audi, BMW, Fiat, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, MINI, Saab, Smart Car, Volkswagen, Volvo, and others. Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 5:30, our highly-trained ASE-certified master mechanics and knowledgeable service advisors repair and maintain cars just like your at our state-of-the-art facility. Are you ready for the most dependable, accurate, and honest European car care in Seattle? Contact us online or call 206-527-8828 today!
