Your vehicle has oil to help lubricate the moving parts in the engine. Without oil, the parts will begin to rub against one another and eventually throw each other out of whack or simply break apart. When this happens, you need an entirely new engine, which can be quite costly to purchase and even more costly to have installed. If you have a vehicle, you should know and understand the importance of checking and having your oil changed as well. Read on for information about when you should check your oil and when it should be changed, as well as other information to help you.

When To Check Your Oil

Most newer vehicles will tell you how much oil life you have left in your vehicle, although this shouldn't always be trusted. There are vehicles on the road that aren't that old that have high consumption oil engines, and these vehicles should have the oil checked every couple hundred miles. If you have an older vehicle, you should check the oil often as well. Checking the oil doesn't take long to do, but your vehicle's engine should be cooled and it should be on a level surface. Locate the oil dipstick beneath the hood and pull it out. Wipe it onto a rag, then dip it back in. Pull it out again and inspect the dipstick to see if you have enough oil. It should be up to the fill line. If not, you need to have oil added to your vehicle. The oil should also be somewhat clear and clean. If it isn't, it needs to be changed.

When To Change Your Oil

You should be getting routine oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Older vehicles should be changed more often than newer vehicles, as the parts may not be quite as lubricated and are a bit more worn out than a newer vehicle is. You should consult your owner's manual on how often to have your oil changed. If you have low oil on the dipstick, you should have oil added to your vehicle, or have it changed when the vehicle's oil on the dipstick doesn't appear very fresh. You should also have the oil changed if you've replaced parts in your engine. You should then inspect the oil for metal shavings if you've had parts replaced in the engine.

If you have a vehicle, you should know the importance of monitoring the oil in your vehicle. Be sure to check your oil and have the oil changed regularly. Take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop for your routine car oil changes.