When it comes to changing your oil, you’ll probably hear tons of advice on how to approach it. Some of that advice comes from sound logic while other advice seem a little…off. Unsure what’s fact and fiction? Spiteri’s Auto Service has you covered. Check out our list of the top five myths when it comes to changing your oil.

    1.Visit the dealer to change your oil

       Though it is understandable to go to your dealer, who will know a little more about your vehicle than others, it is not mandatory. Despite                   popular belief you can visit your preferred repair ship, or do it yourself, and still maintain your warranty as long as you record when you                       changed your oil.

    2.Change your oil every 3,000 miles

So this isn’t so much a myth as it is an outdated thought process. With older cars it was certainly a viable option to change your oil every 3,000 miles, but the quality and craftsmanship of cars have come a long way since then. A lot of cars can easily make it to 7,000 and 10,000 miles before their FIRST oil change. There are even some cars that can make it 15,000 miles before their first visit.

   3.Use synthetic? Stick with synthetic

This is simply not true. Though it is commonplace to hear about sticking with synthetic oil once you start using it, the truth is that you can freely switch between synthetic and petroleum oil. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you’re using oil that is appropriate for your car.

  4.Synthetic Oil > Everything else

Though there is some truth to this, it’s not entirely accurate. Synthetic oil is gentler to your car and is overall better but the differences between the two are so small that spending the extra money may not be worth it, especially if you are on a budget. If you can spend the money, go for it! If you are on a budget, you can sleep soundly knowing that other oil products will do the job just fine.



  5.Seeing dark oil means you have to change immediately

Hold your horses! Just because you see dark oil before your next oil change does not mean you need to get it changed immediately. Oil is darkened through a process called oxidation and can happen at a quicker rate when the oil is exposed to higher engine temperatures. Our advice? Stick with the vehicle manufacturer’s scheduled oil changes.