When Should I Change the Oil in My Vehicle?

All vehicles and other engine-operated machines need oil changes on a regular interval. An engine is like the heart of a car and that heart must remain functional at all times. Oil lubricates the inner components of a vehicle’s engine and promotes smoother operation and functioning.  If this oil runs dry or becomes too dirty, it can cause a car engine to overheat, and eventually begin to deteriorate and fail altogether. Oil is a mandatory must-have for all vehicles, and must be changed regularly for a car to function properly.

Continue reading to learn when you should change the oil in your vehicle, and who to trust for professional oil change advice and service.

Indianapolis Oil Changes and Car Maintenance
Indianapolis Oil Changes and Car Maintenance 317-475-1846

Facts About Changing the Oil in a Car

It is best to refer to your car’s manual for oil change scheduling advice and recommendations. If you do not have your car’s manual, simply contact the manufacturer, and ask for the information you need. Oil changes are meant to be changed on a regular basis, depending on the amount of driving you do, and the style of driving you use. Typically, car manufacturers recommend changing a standard automobile’s oil every three thousand miles, or every three months, or whichever comes first. For cars that are not driven as much, oil changes can be facilitated more sparingly, such as every 5,000 miles or every six to eight months. 

Not only can the amount of driving indicate when to have your oil changed, the style of driving you use can also affect this schedule. For instance, a person that drives fast and abruptly on a regular basis, or gets stuck in frequent stop-and-go traffic, may need to have their oil changed more frequently than a person that only drives to church on Sundays. Give your driving details to a professional, and they can easily determine and suggest when you should change your car’s oil.

Size and vehicle type also influence the rate of which a person should have their oil changed.  For instance, diesel engines will have a contrasting oil change schedule compared to a gasoline fuel engine.  Larger engines and vehicles burn more fuel, which may require them to have the oil changed more often.  Small gasoline-fueled engines get better fuel mileage, resulting in less frequent routine maintenance.

Where to Get Affordable Oil Changes and Car Maintenance in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for affordable oil changes and scheduled car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed mechanics have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Why is My Car Engine Overheating?

It’s a common occurrence: You are driving down the road, enjoying the traffic-free afternoon, when all of a sudden, your engine’s temperature gauge goes way up. Yes, that’s right; your car engine is overheated. But why? Many people can understand the problems associated with an overheating engine, and the damage it can cause to a vehicle; but many don’t know why it happens in the first place.

Continue reading for a brief look at 6 common reasons why your car’s engine may be overheating all the time.

Indianapolis Car Engine Repair and Service
Indianapolis Car Engine Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Radiator Fluid is Low

Radiator fluid, also called coolant, keeps the motor cool during operation. When your car beings to run out of coolant, your engine is unable to effectively transfer all the heat it produces, so it overheats. This is the first place to always inspect when your car engine is overheating. Simply refill with coolant and water, and that’s it! Your vehicle should be just fine. But if that’s not it…

The Radiator is Clogged

A clogged radiator happens overtime as grease and muck builds up inside. If a car has more than 50,000 miles on it, it is at higher risk for radiator clogs. To avoid this, be sure to have your vehicle’s radiator flushed on an annual basis. This is a cheap and quick service you can get at almost any auto shop or service station.

You Have a Coolant Leak

Perhaps your car is low on coolant because it has a leak in the radiator. When a car cannot sustain its coolant levels, it cannot properly regulate heat transfer in the engine. This causes a car to overheat. 

The Coolant Fan is Malfunctioning

On the topic of coolant, it could be that the coolant fan is defective or not operating properly. This part is easy to check. Simply pop the hood and the coolant fan is located on top, next to the radiator. See if the fan is sluggish or slow. If, so it could be the cause of your engine overheating problems. It could be the electric fan, or it could be the radiator switch. An Indianapolis mechanic can figure that out for you.

The Fan Belt Broke

A broken fan belt will cause a car engine to overheat rapidly. If the fan belt is broken, it is highly likely that other engine components are malfunctioning too. Mostly older vehicles have fan belts, but they are easy to repair. All you have to do to check for a broken fan belt is look at your car’s engine.

The Thermostat is Closed

If your vehicle’s thermostat will not stay open, then your car will overheat. This is because the thermostat controls the amount of coolant released while a vehicle is in operation. If it’s defective, it cannot read the temperature and open the coolant flow as needed. This will cause overheating issues quickly.

Cheap Car Engine Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car engine repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including major engine work. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846