Oil Change in Springfield VA

Other than gasoline, engine oil is the most vital fluid inside your car’s engine. Without this component, you wouldn’t be able to drive very far. For that reason, oil changes are a necessary part of vehicle ownership, meaning you need to schedule them regularly. Fortunately, it’s easy to get an oil change in Fairfax, VA. Let’s break down this process and why it’s so vital. We follow Virginia Code of Auto Rules. 

Signs That Your Car’s Oil is Old

Technically, the most reliable way to know that your car needs new oil is when the oil light comes on. However, waiting until this point is risky because your car needs new oil sooner rather than later. As a rule, once the light comes on, you have about 500 miles before you experience significant problems. 

Ideally, you can schedule regular appointments for oil changes, but barring that, here are some warning signs that it’s time to replace the fluid: 

  • Vibrations While Idling – No matter what, your car will vibrate a little bit when idling. However, if the vibrations are more noticeable than before, it’s likely because the oil is old and gunky. 
  • Engine Knocking – A smooth engine won’t experience any knocking, but one that’s using old oil may knock from time to time. 
  • More Exhaust Smoke – Realistically, your exhaust shouldn’t be noticeable at all. If smoke is coming out of the pipe, there’s likely a problem. While old oil is a common culprit, it’s not the only one. 

What to Expect From an Oil Change in Fairfax, VA

Fortunately, getting your oil changed is a straightforward process. In many cases, you can be in and out within half an hour, meaning it doesn’t have to disrupt your day. During an oil change, we follow these steps: 

  • Drain the Old Oil – There’s a valve underneath your car where the oil collects. We open this valve so all the fluid can drain out. Once that’s finished, we recycle the old oil instead of sending it to a landfill. 
  • Replace the Oil – Before starting this procedure, we’ll discuss your options. If you don’t drive very often, you can use standard oil. However, if you commute regularly, you may need synthetic high-mileage oil that lasts longer and works more efficiently. 
  • Run the Engine – Once the new oil is in the car, we need to run the vehicle so the oil can spread through the engine and lubricate each necessary part. This step can also tell us if there’s a problem. 

How Often to Change Your Oil? 

The old adage is to change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, modern synthetic varieties can last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles before needing a replacement. Check with your mechanic to verify how long you can go between changes. While you can replace your oil more often, there’s no reason to spend extra money if it’s unnecessary. 

Schedule an Oil Change Appointment With Us!

We make it easy to get an oil change in Fairfax, VA. Schedule your appointment and see how easy it is to have a smoother-running car. We also provide Oil Change In Alexandria VA.