When you’re a kid, you spend a lot of time riding around in a vehicle.  You may be in a car headed to or from a school function. You might be taking the bus to soccer practice or Grandma’s house. You’re often a passenger for many miles each week!

You might daydream about the day when you’ll be in the driver’s seat. But have you ever given much thought to what other responsibilities will come along with that driver’s license? You probably realize you’ll have to put gas in the car. But what about routine maintenance?

Have you ever helped a friend or family member change the oil in a car or truck? Or patiently waited at a garage as they changed the oil in a family sedan? Have you ever WONDERed why you need to change the oil in a car?

Other things may need to be checked and fixed on a car from time to time. But changing the oil is probably the most important part of routine maintenance for any vehicle. During an oil change, the old oil is taken from a vehicle’s engine. It’s replaced with new, fresh oil. The engine oil filter is usually also changed at the same time.

Automobile engines have many moving parts. As these parts move and rub against each other, the force of friction creates heat. Oil lubricates the engine and absorbs heat, allowing the internal parts to work together effectively without overheating.

Over time, engine oil breaks down and wears out. When it does, it becomes less effective at lubricating the engine and absorbing heat. As an automobile owner, your goal is to change the oil in your engine before it breaks down and causes major engine troubles.

So how often should you change your oil? It depends on many factors, including the way you drive, how old your engine is, and where you live. Many mechanics will recommend you change your oil every 3,000 miles. Automobile manufacturers might suggest a longer interval, such as 5,000 miles. If you use special synthetic oil, you might be able to go 10,000 miles between oil changes!

For most people, an oil change every 5,000 miles would probably be just fine. You might want to consider changing your oil more often, though, if you tend to drive at high speeds. That’s also true if you have an older engine or live in an area that is particularly hot, cold, or dusty.

Can you change the oil in your car by yourself? Yes, you can! But you will need a few special supplies to do so. You’ll need fresh oil, a new oil filter, an oil pan, an oil-filter wrench, and a funnel. You may even need ramps or a jack to elevate the car.

Changing the oil in an automobile isn’t a difficult process, but it does take time. It can also be a dirty job! Some people choose instead to take their vehicle to a mechanic to have it done professionally. What will you do? If you don’t mind a little elbow grease, changing the oil yourself can be a lot cheaper!