Synthetic Oil Change

Synthetic Oil Change Service at Griffith Ford San Marcos

Staying on top of your oil is important, as, without it, your vehicle is going to grind to a very expensive halt. Your engine needs a supply of oil in order to function, but over time it can burn the oil away until nothing is left. When you’re looking for a quick oil change around San Marcos, Fredericksburg, or New Braunfels, you’re going to want to visit Griffith Ford San Marcos, where our mechanics can quickly have your vehicle squared away. 

What Does Oil Do?

Your vehicle won’t be able to run at all without oil, so you might be wondering what exactly it does for your engine. There are a lot of moving metal parts in your engine, and your oil works overtime in order to make sure that everything is properly lubricated so that there’s as little friction as possible. This protects everything from your bearings to your crankshaft, which can be extremely costly if damaged. Oil also helps to protect against high heat, working as a last line of defense after your coolant system. This is why your oil level seemingly gets lower over time, as it’ll eventually all burn off. 

When to Change Your Oil

Normally when you get an oil change, the technician will provide you with a general estimate as to when you should next receive service. If you find that you don’t have this, there are other easy ways to tell if it’s time for you your next service. Since your oil is so important, you’ll find that your vehicle has a dipstick underneath your hood, specifically designed so that you can easily see both the level and color of your oil. This will let you know exactly how soon you need an oil change. If you find that the oil looks dark or dirty, it’s probably time for a service. Similarly, low levels can begin to cause problems in your vehicle. If you’re putting a heavy amount of miles on your vehicle or you find that it’s been a while since your last check, it never hurts to check. This can make the difference between an easy service and wracking up some incredibly high repair bills if your engine begins to knock.

What’s Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is a man-made version of oil that’s designed to last longer in your vehicle while also performing better than conventional motor oil. When compared to the regular version, synthetic offers better lubrication and can even help to prevent sludge. Over time, your oil picks up particulates and slowly becomes even thicker, to the point where it may not flow as well as it should. By preventing this, synthetic oil can last much longer before you need another service, and the benefit of extra lubrication can also help you avoid higher friction and heat. This is great if you find yourself routinely driving long distances, as it can be inconvenient to constantly need an oil change as soon as every 3,000 miles. Synthetic oil is engineered to last much longer, often averaging between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. You’ll still want to routinely check your oil in case you may require service sooner, but generally synthetic will go for much longer.