The standard recommendation for oil changes is every 3,000 miles. This number does not take into account the type of car you drive, how you drive and where you drive. Your car’s engine has a lot of moving parts that require lubrication. The engine oil provides this lubrication and prolongs the life of your engine. Mechanics agree that changing the engine oil at appropriate intervals is the single most important kind of maintenance you need to perform on your vehicle.
There are several things to consider when deciding when it’s time for a fluid change. If your vehicle is older than 10 years old or if you spend most of your time in heavy, stop and go traffic, you might consider getting your oil swapped more frequently than every 3,000 miles. If you are doing mostly highway driving and the climate is relatively cool, you might be able to push that limit back to 4,000 or 5,000 miles before changing your oil. The best way to know when your vehicle is in need of an fluid change is to take it to a local mechanic. A knowledgeable mechanic can take a look at your vehicle and tell you when you will need an oil change and provide additional maintenance as well.
Never pay full price for this type of maintenance. There are always oil change coupons available online, on the back of your grocery store receipt and in local mailers. You also do not have to go to a specialized fluid changing facility either. You can take your vehicle to any type of auto repair shop and they can change your oil. They might not be able to change the oil in five or ten minutes like the quickie, oil change specialty shops but they will do it for a lot less money. They will also take the time to go over your vehicle more thoroughly than one of the quickie shops.
Your coupon should cover the basic oil swap up to five quarts of oil, a new oil filter and an inspection of all other fluids. If any of your fluids are low, they should fill them for you for no additional charge. This includes windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid.
To find oil change coupons online, just go to your favorite search engine and type in “oil change coupon”. Several websites will be returned. You should be able to find an oil change coupon at either a mechanic’s shop or a specialty oil change shop for less than $20. The coupon will either be for a specific dollar amount off the total price or for a flat rate. I would suggest the flat rate coupon so you know there are no hidden fees. Be especially careful of technicians these facilities because they may suggest unnecessary repairs. Take their suggestion under consideration and discuss it with a certified mechanic before agreeing to any additional repairs.