Oil Change in Eugene, OR
Regular oil changes are essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, extending engine life, and optimizing performance. Whether commuting around town or heading out on a road trip, ensuring your engine is properly lubricated and maintained is crucial. Our certified technicians provide top-notch service, using high-quality oils suited to your vehicle's needs. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about getting oil changes for your Mazda and how to schedule your next one at our Kiefer Mazda dealership.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the best things you can do for any vehicle. Oil lubricates the engine's moving parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. However, engine oil breaks down over time and can collect dirt or other debris. When this happens, the engine oil becomes less effective. With an oil change, you remove this less-effective engine oil and replace it.
One significant benefit of regular oil changes is increasing your vehicle's life span. Without regular oil changes, your engine can overheat or break down, leading to costly repairs. In the case of many older cars, when the engine breaks down, the repairs are so expensive that they cost more than the vehicle's value. You must then decide whether to spend money repairing your car or on another model. This situation often arises unexpectedly, resulting in a large financial burden.
Another benefit of regular oil changes is improved fuel efficiency. As older oil becomes thick and sludgy, the engine needs to work harder to perform. The result is higher fuel consumption, which means more frequent stops at the gas station. Gas is already a considerable expense, so why spend more because of an inefficient engine? Get an oil change regularly to keep your vehicle running well and for a long time.
How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?
For most vehicles, including Mazda models, you should change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This is when the engine oil starts to deteriorate and not perform as well. However, a few factors may impact this recommendation.
For one, if you regularly drive in challenging conditions, such as off-roading, you'll want to change your oil more frequently since you're putting more strain on your engine. Similarly, if you use your vehicle to tow or haul heavy items, consider changing your oil more often. Finally, if you have an older model, getting more frequent oil changes is a good idea.
How Can I Tell if I Need an Oil Change?
Besides following the recommended maintenance schedule, there are a few signs that suggest it's time for an oil change. One of the most obvious is the oil change or check engine light on your dashboard, signaling low oil levels or poor oil quality. Checking the oil with the dipstick can confirm this — if the oil is dark, dirty, or gritty, it's time for a change. Fresh oil should be amber-colored and somewhat translucent.
Another indication is strange engine noises, such as knocking or ticking sounds, which can occur when oil loses its ability to lubricate properly. Without sufficient lubrication, engine components rub against each other, causing wear and noise. Decreased fuel efficiency can also be a red flag. As oil ages, it becomes thicker and less effective at reducing friction, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Additionally, if you notice excessive exhaust smoke or smell burning oil, it could indicate a leak or that the oil has degraded too much to do its job. Regularly monitoring these signs and scheduling timely oil changes is crucial for maintaining engine performance.
What Does the Oil Change Process Look Like?
Oil changes are pretty straightforward but should still be handled by an experienced technician. When you bring your vehicle to our Kiefer Mazda service center for an oil change, we'll first securely raise it to access the oil drain plug underneath the engine. Once we remove the plug, the engine oil will start draining, and we'll collect and properly dispose of it.
After that, we'll remove the oil filter and replace it with a new one since oil filters become clogged with debris and other contaminants over time. Then, we'll securely replace the drain plug and refill your car with the new engine oil. Finally, we'll check your oil level using the dipstick to ensure we added the correct amount. This simple procedure doesn't take too long but has a tremendous effect on your vehicle's health.
Choosing Kiefer Mazda for Your Next Oil Change
If you need an oil change for your Mazda vehicle, we're here to help. At our state-of-the-art service center, we're dedicated to helping you with any of your Mazda needs. We make it simple to schedule service online, where you can choose a convenient time.
In addition, we aim to make your Mazda service as affordable as possible. One way we do this is through our service specials, where we frequently offer discounts on standard procedures, including oil changes. Be sure to check out our latest specials before scheduling your next visit.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change in Eugene, Oregon, Today
Take good care of your Mazda vehicle by bringing it to us for regular oil changes. Our trained technicians will not only ensure your vehicle has clean oil but also inspect it for any other signs of trouble. With our help, you can keep your Mazda on the road for many years and save money on repair costs. Schedule your next service visit online today, or contact us with any questions.