Oil Changes
One of the best ways to ensure automobile safety and extend your vehicle’s life expectancy is regular service and maintenance. By following Nissan’s recommended oil and fluid replacement schedule, you can accomplish those goals.
Protecting Your Car’s Engine and Components
Each fluid integrated into your automobile plays a key role in keeping it running smoothly. Whether cooling the engine or lubricating transmission components, think of fluids as the lifeblood of your vehicle.
Benefits of Oil and Fluid Changes
Each vehicle has a recommended plan about when to replace car fluids that can help you avoid major repairs and unnecessary expenses. Manufacturers will often outline the precise type of oil that you should use in a make and model. Car manufacturing has become a science that uses specific metals and alloys. Utilizing the oil best suited for your vehicle will minimize friction, improve gas mileage and avoid damage caused by overheating. Proper motor oil will ultimately extend the life of your engine.
Many car owners are unaware that brake fluids also lose their effectiveness. Regular replacement keeps the braking system operating at maximum safety and efficiency. And, engine coolant also wears down over time and should be upgraded to protect your engine.
Quick Oil Change
A pit stop freaturing free wifi and coffee.
Types of Motor Oil
Motor oil may be the single most important fluid in any vehicle. It prevents metals from grinding against each other. It also seals and protects components from combustion and reduces metal deterioration.
Choosing the best oil for your vehicle means selecting a brand that adheres to the American Petroleum Institute standards and utilizes a custom blend that meets all your engine’s protection needs. This choice has a great deal to do with an oil’s viscosity rating.
Viscosity is basically a fluid’s resistance to flow at 0 degrees for winter (W) and at 212 degrees. For example, a 10W rating has less viscosity than a 20W when cold. The second number relates to thinning at high temperatures. Higher numbers mean less thinning. These oil qualities then have a relationship to the type of vehicle and temperatures. By selecting an oil with a viscosity rating that makes sense in your vehicle, you can greatly improve engine health and longevity.
Beyond the viscosity rating, you’ll notice the shelves are filled with different types of motor oil that include:
Conventional Motor Oil:
- Most automobiles come brand new with conventional oil and manufacturers generally specify an ideal viscosity. For lower ambient temperatures, a 5W-20 or 5W-30 are common, but 10W-30 tends to be optional as well. Conventional oil should be changed every 4,000 miles or every 4 months.
Synthetic Oil:
- Many high-tech engines utilize synthetic blends and they are considered superior to conventional oils. This is due in large part to rigorous standards, high viscosity ratings and longer performance. Synthetic oils work better at low temperatures and achieve excellent lubrication at high temperatures. However, they may not be an ideal fit for every vehicle.
Synthetic Blend Oil:
- These blends combine synthetic and conventional oils into a formula that provides protection for higher temperatures and hefty loads. These formulas are known for lower oil loss due to evaporation and improved fuel efficiency.
High Mileage Oils:
- More than 60 percent of vehicles on the road have logged over 75,000 miles. High-mileage vehicles tend to leave oil stains on your garage floor or driveway. These blends help reduce leakage by incorporating seal conditioners that help restore pore integrity.
When Should I Get an Oil Change?
Other Fluids’ Benefits
Transmission Fluids
Transmission fluid lubricates and cools key components to maximize the performance of your automobile. In cars that enjoy automatic transmissions, it acts as both a lubricant and coolant. Most automatics vehicles use a designated blend.
Manual transmissions use a variety of fluids including motor oil, automatic transmission fluid or transmission oil, sometimes referred to as heavyweight gear oil. Manual transmissions tend to require specific fluids for proper lubrication.
Like motor oil, transmission fluid needs regular replacement to ensure smooth gear changes and friction reduction. Low or outdated fluid can generate friction and heat that could end in you losing the transmission altogether. They are costly to replace.
Engine Coolant Prevents Overheating
Without engine coolant in your radiator, you wouldn’t get very far. Engine coolant, often referred to as anti-freeze, works to regulate engine temperature. Coolant should achieve a good 50/50 mix with water. However, seasonal tweaks can be to your advantage and coolant should be updated every 30,000 miles at the latest. Without proper coolant, your vehicle can overheat and the engine could seize.
Brake Fluid Safety
The idea of changing brake fluids doesn’t come to mind for many car owners. But consider that the average motorist steps on the brakes about 75,000 times per year and malfunctions are a leading cause of driving emergencies. It’s imperative that you have brake fluids checked and replaced regularly. Safety is job one for you and your loved ones.
At Scott Clark Nissan, our team of customer service professionals and trained technicians are here to help you with the proper maintenance and safety standards your vehicle requires.
Service Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 6:30am to 7:00pm
- Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
Parts Hours
- Monday – Friday: 7:30am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed