To Change or Top Off: The Eternal Dilemma of Car Oil Maintenance

Before heading to the Eclipse Watch Party in Festival Plaza at Exploration Place in Wichita, you consider taking care of a few chores. And one of those is doing a bit of maintenance on your family’s vehicles. Because, car maintenance keeps life moving smoothly, the one constant is oil maintenance. But, you wonder, should I change the oil or simply top it off?

Many factors come into play when deciding between the two options. And making the right choice can significantly impact the performance and health of your car or truck. Because, proper oil is the lifeblood of an engine, lubricating its moving parts, reducing friction, and carrying away contaminants. But, over time, oil breaks down, becomes less effective, and accumulates debris, necessitating a change. So in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros look at the whether to simply top off the oil level when it’s low or opt for a full oil change. Which is your best option.

Let’s delve into the factors to consider when faced with this decision:

Oil Age and Condition

The age and condition of your car’s oil are both factors that are important. And if it’s been a while since your last oil change, or if the oil appears dirty and gritty, it’s likely time for a full change. Because, fresh oil is essential for optimal engine performance and longevity.

Oil Level

Checking your oil level regularly is key. Because, if you notice a consistent drop in oil level between oil changes, there might be an underlying issue such as leaks or excessive oil consumption. And this would require an ASE certified mechanic (like those at Tracy’s Tire Pros) to investigate.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Check your truck or car’s manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil change intervals. And then follow these guidelines to ensure that your vehicle receives the best maintenance for optimal performance.

Driving Conditions

Your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive your vehicle can also influence the frequency of oil changes. For example, stop-and-go city driving, towing heavy loads, or extreme temperatures can accelerate oil breakdown. And this necessitates more frequent changes.

Oil Type

The type of oil you use can impact how long you can go between oil changes. Because, conventional oil typically requires more frequent changes. Whereas, synthetic or synthetic-blend oils offer better performance and last longer. And the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros can review which type of oil is best for your lifestyle, driving conditions, and vehicle.

Cost Consideration

While topping off oil may seem like a cheaper and quicker fix, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. Because, neglecting timely oil changes can lead to premature engine wear and costly repairs down the road.

Environmental Impact

Proper oil disposal is crucial for minimizing environmental impact. So, when you change your oil, ensures that the old oil is disposed of properly. Because this prevents contamination of soil and water sources. But, if you’d rather not mess with the hassle of proper disposal, you can let the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros take care of it all for you.

Topping off your car’s oil can temporarily address low oil levels. But it should not be viewed as a substitute for regular oil changes.

Routine oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health, maximizing performance, and prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle. And ignoring this important maintenance chore can lead to costly repairs and potentially jeopardize your safety on the road.

So, the next time you’re faced with the decision of whether to change the oil or simply top it off, consider the factors above. Or let the professionals at Tracy’s Tire Pros help you out with a fast, affordable oil change. Now Tracy’s has three locations. And, we serve customers all over Wichita and Goddard: West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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