Ford Oil Change Basics

Here's a fun bit of trivia: the average car contains 30,000 parts. One of the most important of these isn't a nut, bolt; it comes in a bottle. For all your motor oil does to keep your vehicle as strong and efficient as it's capable of being, it deserves a timely Ford oil change from a dealership like Helfman Ford.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a lubricant. Its slipperiness, known as "viscosity," serves a number of important functions.

• It reduces friction between moving parts
• That reduction in friction, in turn, means an engine that runs cleaner
• There is, likewise, a lower chance of adhesion or premature engine wear
• Finally, because friction creates heat, motor oil also helps your engine run cooler, preventing overheating

A quart of the right motor oil is inexpensive and getting an oil change at a Ford service center is quick, too. It just might be the simplest thing you do to keep your engine efficient and long-lived.

When Do I Need an Oil Change?

The owner's manual for your Ford vehicle lists suggested service intervals for a number of essentials, including oil changes. The team at our Ford dealership will send you reminders, too. However, there are some things you can do between oil changes to take better care of your car.

• Check your oil monthly. If it's dark or discolored, it's too old.
• Your engine can burn oil; if you see smoke from the tailpipe or smell burning oil, visit us immediately.
• If your vehicle is low on oil, top it off; if this happens often, however, you may have a faulty oil pump or a leak.
• If you notice hard idling, slow acceleration, or falling fuel economy, visit a Ford service center for diagnostics and any necessary repairs.

What if You Don't Change Your Motor Oil? 

It can be easy to forget to change your oil, or to put it off for just a few more miles. However, it's important not to let too much time elapse between oil changes, because if you do, you're chancing poor performance and fuel economy. Not to mention a chance of severe engine damage or failure.

The good news is that with our Ford service, you get what you need fast; with our Ford parts and service specials and the FordPass™ app, you save money, too. That gives you all the reasons you need to service at Helfman Ford. Stop in today to make sure your vehicle is always as safe and reliable as it should be!