MINI of Montgomery County explains why oil changes are important and how often you should have the service done to your vehicle

One of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle healthy and running smoothly is to change its oil. Changing a vehicle’s oil is simple enough to do at home, but if you simply do not have the time to do it yourself, fear not, your friends here at Passport Auto Group are here to help you out. Our trained specialists use parts from each manufacturer and have the experience and knowledge to get your oil change done in a timely fashion so you can get on with your busy day. Many people who bring their vehicles in when they need to change their oil do not think about bringing it to a dealership because they think we charge more than other places. In fact, our prices are very competitive, and we use genuine parts while other service shops may not. We also include many other service features to go along with your oil change to make your vehicle drive like the day you drove it off of our lot. HOW OFTEN DO I NEED AN OIL CHANGE? You may be under the impression that every car needs an oil change at exactly three months or 3,000 miles. Or maybe you're on the other end of the spectrum and you won't bother until your engine actually stops running. (Spoiler alert: if that has happened, it's too late.) The first example is just a little off. The second is scary! MY, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED. The standard 3,000 mile rule comes from an earlier age of vehicle production. With advances in both engine and oil technology, you don't need to stick to such a frequent schedule. Some classic and specialty cars will still want to be on this tighter timetable, but if you're driving a vehicle built in the last decade or so, it probably isn't necessary. It won't hurt the car, but you might just be wasting some good oil if you change it too often. BUT WHY SHOULD I BOTHER TO CHANGE THE OIL IN MY CAR? Oil lubricates your engine and all of its little components. When the oil breaks down, it can't do its job effectively anymore. With all that friction, your engine will overheat, which can cause parts to quickly wear down and warp. If you just never change your oil, your engine is likely to eventually seize up and turn into a big useless pile of scrap metal. SO WHAT SHOULD I DO? Unfortunately, there isn't really an easy rule to remember across the board. Each car is different, and each driver is different. The first thing to do is check your owner's manual. For example, some manufacturers recommend a maximum interval of 12 months or 7,500 miles between oil changes for many of their models. Your next guideline is to make sure you always pay attention to your vehicle's notifications and warning lights- most new vehicles include some very cool technology and it would be a shame to ignore it! You'll want to adjust your own oil change schedule depending on your driving habits and conditions. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause your oil to work a little harder. Here are some other factors to consider: • Stop-and-go vs. highway mileage • Mountains and hills vs. flat terrain • Frequency of heavy loads or towing • Frequency of engine idling Don't forget to check our service specials page for any applicable money-savers, and then schedule a service if your car is ready for an oil change. Please feel free to call or stop by to discuss your own vehicle and driving habits - our experienced technicians are here to help you get the most out of your car, and we can help you come up with an oil change schedule you're comfortable with. We know our environment and our brand, so be honest about how aggressive you drive and we'll make sure your car gets the best possible care! CHOOSE YOUR OIL TYPE WITH THE HELP OF OUR EXPERTS Considering the type of oil that you need for your vehicle to continue a successful streak of commuting? There are a number of options that your vehicle may or may not be right for, and it can sometimes be confusing differentiating between the choices that are available. We are here to help! We have a preview of standard motor oil, synthetic blend and full synthetic ready for you to review, and we look forward to your next scheduled oil change here at our service center! STANDARD OIL This is the most common brand of oil that you will discover for your vehicle, and one that most leading brands carry. Usually distinguished by a 5W-20 or 5W-30 branding, this oil is recommended to be changed every couple months or thousands of miles, with a routine maintenance appointment easy to schedule with our factory-trained technicians. FULL SYNTHETIC OIL A full synthetic blend proves to be a more expensive type of oil, but for good reason. This oil type is superior to that of standard oil, and designed to thrive in both colder and hotter climates. Tested for maximum performance and held to stringent standards, this oil is typically required for more technologically advanced engine types. SYNTHETIC BLEND Mixed with an organic blend and full synthetic, this type of motor oil typically is relegated to pickup trucks and specific SUVs. Designed to support heavy transportation loads and extreme climates, you will be confident in the strength and durability of this oil type. Click here to schedule your oil service today