Maintain the well-being of your engine and prolong your vehicle's lifespan by scheduling regular oil change services at Midas. Oil changes are one of the most important preventive maintenance services you can schedule. Engine oil plays a vital role in lubricating the moving parts of your engine, ensuring smooth operation. As you drive, it naturally accumulates dirt, dust, and debris from the road. Fortunately, your vehicle's oil and oil filter act as safeguards, collecting this debris and preventing it from entering the engine.
At Midas in Ellsworth, ME our expert technicians will change your oil, replace your filters and check for any oil leaks. Call now at 207-669-1925 or stop by the shop at 296 High Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605.
A Midas oil change typically requires about 60 minutes, including the oil and filter replacement, along with our complimentary Midas Closer Look Vehicle Check™. Oil Change Plus customers should budget an additional 15 minutes for tire rotation. If you opt for a do-it-yourself oil change, the duration can vary, taking up to an hour based on the accessibility of your vehicle's oil drain plug and filter.
Types of Motor Oil
- Conventional (Traditional) motor oil is derived from crude oil and incorporates various additives.
- Synthetic motor oil, on the other hand, is created from artificial components and includes diverse additives.
- High mileage motor oil contains anti-wear additives designed to extend the engine life of vehicles with 75,000 miles or more. It is available in conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic oil formulations.
How often should oil be changed?
For vehicles made in the past decade or so, automakers usually recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, with even higher intervals for certain models. Most owner’s manuals now specify synthetic blend or full synthetic oil in concert with these longer oil change intervals. Manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles for many older vehicles and certain engine types.
However, check your manual – and heed your vehicle’s oil change reminder if it triggers between oil changes, regardless of the old adage of every 3,000-miles.
Signs your car needs an oil change
Each vehicle make and model has unique needs, and tailored care is crucial. Consult with your local Midas at 296 High Street; they'll assist you in determining the ideal frequency for oil and filter changes based on manufacturer guidelines. Consistent oil changes are vital to maintain your engine's health, so watch for these indicators signaling it's time to schedule an oil change for your car:
- Your dashboard oil reminder: In newer vehicles, this dashboard light or message takes your actual driving conditions into account.
- Dark oil on your dipstick: Fresh engine oil is transparent and light brown or amber. Dirty oil is dark brown or black -- and too opaque to see through.
- Overheating: Poor lubrication also makes your engine work harder, which can generate excess heat.
- Grinding or tapping noises: -- these dreaded “metal on metal” sounds, warn you that your oil level is too low to effectively protect your engine.
