Oil Change Service in El Paso: Preventing Sludge Build-Up
If you’ve owned a car for a while, you know that an oil change service is a crucial element of auto maintenance. But there’s one specific benefit of oil changes that not enough drivers in El Paso, TX, know about — namely, oil sludge prevention.
When you wait too long between one oil change and the next, you run the risk of encountering oil sludge. In this article, we thoroughly explain this unpleasant situation and give you tips on ensuring that sludge doesn’t have a chance to form in your vehicle.
What Is Oil Sludge?
Oil sludge is exactly what it sounds like — it’s a thick, gel-like substance that begins to form when your motor oil starts to deal with contamination and oxidation. Metal fragments, partially burnt fuel, and dirt can all be found in oil sludge.
Once it’s gotten a foothold inside your vehicle, oil sludge makes it harder for oil to circulate inside your engine. That’s a significant problem because oil has several responsibilities in the average car, from lubricating moving engine parts to controlling engine heat. As a result, oil sludge can increase friction in your engine and make this component more likely to overheat.
Though aging oil is the primary culprit behind oil sludge formation, other factors can cause this substance to build up faster than it usually would. Driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic is a major contributor to this situation, as is regularly driving short distances.
How Oil Changes Can Prevent Sludge Build-Up
Avoiding oil sludge (and the adverse effects it has on your vehicle) is reason enough to make oil change service a high priority. Neglecting oil changes will inevitably lead to oil sludge build-up. But when you get regular oil changes, this sludge doesn’t have a chance to accumulate, as most of the oil sludge simply drains out along with your old oil.
Frequent oil changes can also help:
Extend Your Engine’s Life Span
Engine friction can cause severe issues with your vehicle if the problem isn’t dealt with early. Fortunately, oil changes can protect your engine, helping you avoid pricey repairs (or a fully-fledged engine replacement).
Improve Your Vehicle’s Performance
A properly lubricated engine doesn’t have to work extra hard to keep your vehicle running, which means that oil changes allow your engine to provide better performance while using less fuel.
Keep Your Warranty Intact
Does your vehicle still have a manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty? If so, you’ll want to maintain this warranty for as long as possible. Skipping oil changes can void auto warranties, but visiting a local auto shop for regular El Paso oil change service can help.
Know How To Schedule Oil Changes in El Paso
By now, you know that frequent oil changes can help mitigate the effects of engine sludge. There’s just one question — how often should you actually take care of this work? Instead of following the common knowledge when planning oil changes, it’s best to spend some time creating a custom schedule for this service.
Your first step in this process should be checking your car’s manual, as this document will include valuable oil change scheduling tips. The type of oil you use can also affect your oil change needs. For example:
- If you use conventional oil, be sure to schedule an oil change in El Paso every 3,000 miles.
- If your vehicle has a synthetic blend oil, you can wait up to 5,000 miles between one oil change and the next.
- For vehicles that use full synthetic oil, you can wait 5,000 to 7,000 miles before scheduling service.
Picking the Right Oil Type
Different oil types don’t just vary in terms of their service lives. Below, we explain other crucial differences between the most popular types of oil on the market today.
Conventional Oil
Since it’s incredibly affordable, conventional oil is more widely used than any other oil type. However, this form of oil is outclassed by synthetic options in terms of performance.
Full Synthetic Oil
Full synthetic oil delivers better performance than any other type of motor oil. Though it costs more than conventional oil, it provides exceptional engine lubrication under demanding conditions.
Synthetic Blend Oil
Are you interested in the enhanced performance of synthetic oil but having trouble with its higher price tag? If so, consider synthetic blend oil. This product combines both previously mentioned oil types to deliver a mixture of their respective benefits.
High-Mileage Oil
Finally, high-mileage oil contains special additives to meet the service needs of aging vehicles. You’ll want to consider this oil type after your car has been in use for more than 75,000 miles.
Finding the Best Oil Change in El Paso
Frequent oil changes can help you keep oil sludge under control, but some El Paso auto shops are better than others at handling this service. That’s why you need to make sure that your go-to shop delivers perks like:
- Highly skilled mechanics
- Cost-cutting opportunities (including money-saving coupons)
- Full-service oil changes
- An impressive selection of auto services
If you’re looking for the best oil change service in and around El Paso, you’re looking for Martin Tire Company. We’ve been a part of this community since 1945. To benefit from our team’s experience and attention to detail, schedule an oil change today!
