The importance of regular oil changes has often been touted as a great way to prolong your vehicle’s life and enhance its performance. But did you know that this relatively simple and inexpensive maintenance task is even MORE critical if you live in areas subject to hot temperatures?
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of regular oil changes for ALL vehicle owners, but especially those living in hot climates. Then, we’ll offer tips for keeping your vehicle’s oil in top shape to ensure your vehicle remains reliable and efficient despite the heat.
5 Major Benefits of Regular Oil Changes for Vehicle Owners Living in Hot Climates
1. Provide better protection for your vehicle’s engine.
Hotter weather makes your vehicle run hotter, too. That means oil will break down more quickly, leading to greater friction between parts. When the oil running through your vehicle’s engine is kept fresh and clean, it will not only operate better but last longer, too.
2. Improve the performance of your vehicle’s engine.
Think about how much better YOU perform when you’ve eaten healthy foods that give you energy and keep you moving. The same is true for your vehicle’s engine – when it has clean, new oil flowing through its parts, it will perform more smoothly and efficiently.
3. Enjoy better fuel efficiency.
It’s already expensive enough to fill up your vehicle at the gas pump. Why not make sure your vehicle has the best gas mileage possible? Clean oil from regular oil changes can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy, leaving you with more money in your pocket.
4. Reduce the risk of overheating.
Over time, engine oil will break down and lose some of its efficiency. This means it will no longer work as well at reducing friction between moving parts. More friction equates to parts prematurely breaking down and potential engine overheating. Scheduling regular oil changes is a small price to pay to help you avoid an uncomfortable breakdown in the HOT Arizona weather!
5. Prevent expensive engine repairs later.
Regular oil changes are part of the preventative maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, and for good reason. Paying attention to the oil’s age, quantity, and condition can go a long way toward extending the engine’s life and ultimately, preventing expensive engine repairs.
Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Oil in Hot Climates
Now that you know WHY regular oil changes are important, let’s talk about HOW to ensure your vehicle’s oil stays in great condition.
Schedule regular oil changes at the appropriate frequency.
First, start with the recommendations provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you live in a hot climate, however, understand that you may need to schedule service more frequently than what’s listed in your owner’s manual. Simply ask your local mechanic for recommendations specific to your vehicle and location.
Use the right oil for your vehicle.
If you service your vehicle at a reputable local auto repair shop, your mechanic will know the type of oil that’s best for your specific vehicle. If regular oil changes are on your DIY list, however, make sure to check your owner’s manual for the oil type that’s recommended by the manufacturer. High-quality synthetic oils may also perform better in hotter climates, so it’s important to keep in mind if you live where extreme heat is common.
Check oil levels between regular oil changes.
Even if you are diligent about oil change frequency, it’s still important to routinely check oil levels. That’s because oil can evaporate more quickly in hot weather. You may need to periodically top off oil levels during the hottest months of the year. This will ensure the oil stays at the right level between service appointments.
Watch for signs that your engine oil is breaking down.
Regardless of where you live, oil degrades over time and with use. If the engine starts making noises or you think the oil looks dirty on the dipstick, it could be time to schedule an oil change.
Schedule Regular Oil Changes at Our Tempe Auto Repair Shop
Preventative maintenance is a great way to save yourself some money in the long run. That’s because small problems can be diagnosed and fixed before they become bigger, more expensive ones. Regular oil changes should be included in your routine maintenance schedule, especially since fresh, clean oil not only prevents engine issues but also helps to keep it running efficiently.
That being said, not all oil changes are created equal. Unfortunately, some cheap oil changes are lower in cost but they don’t produce the same results. Watch this video to see what happened to one of our customers who opted for cheap oil changes before coming to our Tempe auto repair shop for service:
Cheap Oil Changes: What You Need to Know
Now let’s talk about what a PROPER oil change service looks like! At our Tempe auto repair shop, we not only change the oil and filter but we also complete a thorough 24-point inspection (at no additional cost). This inspection looks at things like tire wear, battery condition, windshield wipers, and other essential aspects of your car. You’ll get a report that clearly shows what should be fixed now, what can wait, and what you should plan for even further down the road.
Schedule your routine oil changes with us today and experience the difference!
