Oil Change Service

Oil Changes in Albuquerque, NM

Your car's engine has constantly moving parts that need proper lubrication to prevent them from overheating. That's why every combustion engine needs oil. Regularly changing your oil can ensure that all your engine's parts are correctly lubricated. Let's find out how you can tell it's time for an oil change, how it benefits your car, and what you should expect when visiting Chalmers Ford in Albuquerque for an oil change.

How Do I Know I Need an Oil Change?

Your car's oil deteriorates over time and will need replacing. While the typical oil change interval is between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, you'll find the manufacturer's recommended interval for your car in its owner's manual. However, the interval also depends on various factors related to your driving style and the area where you live. Some factors that may shorten your car's oil change intervals include:

• Regularly taking short trips.
• Mostly driving in crowded city traffic.
• Living in areas with extreme cold, heat, or dust.
• Constantly carrying heavy loads in your car's cargo area or towing a trailer.

The following are some specific signs that indicate you may need an oil change.

Your Oil Change Light Comes On

The most obvious sign you need to change your car's oil as soon as possible is if the oil change light illuminates. Most cars nowadays have one; they're connected to a sensor that constantly monitors your engine's oil level. If the oil change light is illuminated, you should change your car's oil as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may damage engine components.

You Hear Unusual Engine Noises

Older oil may not be able to properly lubricate your engine's components, which can result in noises made by pieces of metal rubbing against each other. This is a sign that you're way past due for an oil change; you should prioritize it, as you're at serious risk of damaging your car's engine.

You Smell Burning Oil While Driving

You may notice a burning smell while driving if your engine overheats from a lack of fresh oil. This is due to the excessive heat generated by your engine's parts if they don't have proper lubrication. If this happens, you should stop driving the vehicle until you get an oil change to avoid expensive repairs.

You Notice Dark Exhaust Smoke

Dark smoke from your exhaust pipe may occur if your engine overheats from improper lubrication and burns off your existing oil. 

Benefits of Regular Oil Changes

Changing your car's motor oil only takes a few minutes and has many important benefits. Some of them are:

• Your engine will work more efficiently: Old oil tends to accumulate dirt and other debris, which reduces its ability to keep things moving efficiently inside your engine. New oil ensures proper lubrication, improving performance and fuel efficiency.
• Your engine's parts will last longer: If your engine's components aren't properly lubricated, they will likely deteriorate much faster. A clean and smooth-running engine will also keep it running well for many years, helping you save money in the long run.
• You'll be doing the environment a favor: Changing your oil at regular intervals isn't only good for your car but also for the environment. Deteriorated oil can cause your engine to overheat, which may release toxic emissions into the atmosphere.
• You won't have any issues passing emissions tests: Many states and regions have strict emissions requirements that all cars must pass. Regularly changing your oil can help keep your engine clean and efficient, which results in better performance during emissions tests.

What To Expect During an Oil Change

If you've decided to take your car in for an oil change at Chalmers Ford, you can rest assured that it's in the hands of experienced technicians. Here are the usual steps we take when changing a car's oil.

Check Your Current Oil's Status

We analyze your existing oil before we start the oil change. This helps us determine its condition and confirm that an oil change is needed. It can also help us gain valuable insight into what caused it to deteriorate, as your environment or driving style may require more frequent oil changes than the owner's manual specifies.

Remove the Old Oil

After confirming the need for an oil change, we remove your car's dirty, old oil. We'll lift the vehicle, locate the oil pan underneath, remove the drain plug, and let all the oil drain out. Then, we clean the drain plug and reattach it. We'll also ensure the old oil is disposed of without harming the environment.

Examine Your Oil Filter

Your oil filter keeps debris from entering your engine. It gets clogged over time and typically needs replacing during the oil change. Our technicians will inspect it and determine whether to replace it.

Fill the Reservoir With Fresh Oil

We'll add fresh, top-quality motor oil after determining the right type and quantity based on your car's model and engine type. After completing this operation, we'll check for leaks to ensure your car isn't losing oil.

Perform a Complimentary Inspection

Taking your car in for an oil change at Chalmers Ford also includes a courtesy inspection to ensure everything else is running fine. We'll check other fluids, such as transmission and brake fluid, inspect your air filter, and ensure your tires are properly inflated.

Book an Oil Change at Chalmers Ford Today

Changing your oil at Chalmers Ford only takes 30 minutes, but you'll immediately notice the benefits, as your car's engine will run more smoothly and efficiently. Everyone here at Chalmers Ford is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service; we want to ensure you enjoy hassle-free driving. Contact us today to book your oil change visit.

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