Do You Really Want to Change Your Own Engine Oil?

by | Oct 31, 2016 | Automotive

Most car owners understand the importance of changing your oil at regular intervals. In fact, it is one of the most important things you can do to keep the engine running smoothly. However, some people try to save money by changing the oil themselves and this can lead to all kinds of problems. In fact, it may be much better to simply take your vehicle to your local car care service in Oklahoma City and here are some important reasons why.

Proper Equipment

If you plan to perform your own oil change, you’ll need to get underneath the car to access the filter and oil pan. It can be hard to see what you are doing and you could make a mistake. For example, not all oil filters are the same and some cars have special housings and shields which must be removed first. Without the right tools, this can be a major ordeal. This is not a problem for car care service professionals in Oklahoma City. They have everything they need to perform the job quickly and efficiently.

Common Problems with Oil Changes

One mistake during a “do it yourself” oil change can ruin your entire engine. Here is an example:

James was changing his oil and everything went smoothly for a while. However, when it came time to replace the drain plug he over tightened it a little bit. James wanted to make sure there were no leaks. However, after replacing the oil, he noticed there was a slight leak, so he tightened the plug some more and it suddenly loosened.

To James’ horror, the threads on the plug stripped. He bought a repair kit but it didn’t work and now he had to replace the entire oil pan. This often happens because many oil pans today are made from aluminum alloy and it is softer than steel and easier to strip the threads. The mechanics at your car care service in Oklahoma City understand this issue and they use torque wrenches which measure the amount of force on a drain plug. This keeps them from over tightening.

There’s No Reason to Do It Yourself

When you take your vehicle to your local car care service in Oklahoma City, they do much more than change the oil. They also check your air filter and top off all the fluids. Tires, belts and hoses are inspected and the entire undercarriage is also checked out. When you figure out all the services you get for one low price, you are not saving much by doing it yourself. Plus, there is no need to get dirty or scrape your knuckles in the process.

When you need an oil change, you can count on your car care service professionals from T&W Tire in Oklahoma City. We offer many automotive services including AC and transmission service.

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