Oil Changes at Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

There used to be a time when the rule of thumb was you had to change the oil in your car or truck every 3,000 miles. While you no longer have to get an oil change quite that often, thanks to advances in both autos and oil, you do still have to do it on the regular. Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep® RAM explains why.

Engines Need Oil to Work

While you may not know all the parts of an engine, the bottom line is there are a lot of them. And in order for your vehicle to run, some of those parts need to move, and some need to move together. The oil in your car or truck helps lubricate all the components, allowing them to glide together easier.

When there’s a lack of oil, not only do those parts rub together and cause undue wear and tear, but the friction causes excess heat, which could cause your whole engine to overheat. Scheduling an oil-change service will ensure your Jeep SUV or RAM truck has the proper amount of oil to do its job.

Used Oil Is Dirty and Ineffective

Even if the dipstick, or in the case of a lot of new models, the automatic oil sensor, doesn’t indicate your oil is low, you still have to change it. Oil not only helps with lubrication, but it also helps keep the engine clean by breaking up deposits and collecting various particles. If the oil breaks down, as it will over time, it can turn into sludge, which can block oil flow to the engine entirely—see above: engines need oil to work.

Even if you’re a low-mileage car owner, the oil in your vehicle still needs to be checked and changed at least twice a year; the oil may be okay, but if your engine isn’t running long enough to burn the moisture off, the oil won’t be as effective as it needs to be. We often offer oil-change specials, and can make sure the quantity and quality of oil are what your vehicle needs to run its best.

Depending on the make and model of your car or truck, you should expect to schedule an oil change about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, and some engines may even be able to go as long as 15,000 between services. It’s best to check with your owner’s manual for their suggested oil-change maintenance schedule, and you can always ask the car service department at our Las Vegas Jeep dealership to let you know when you’re due in for service.