Oil Change in Greer, SC - Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to a new (or new-to-you) vehicle, there is a lot to be excited about. High-tech features, top-of-the-line technology, premium driver assistance features, and more, even if it is just a change of scenery in the driver's seat of a different vehicle. 

While you may get excited to blast some music on your new audio system, you're probably not going to be excited about some of the maintenance that comes with a vehicle. After all, most people aren't thinking about an oil change when they drive their new vehicle off the lot.

But as many experienced drivers can tell you, it takes more than just gasoline to keep a new car running smoothly. Your vehicle has many moving parts that need to be kept in good condition - and we're not just talking about getting a car wash or vacuuming out your car, although those things are important too.

Routine maintenance is something that serves your vehicle best when it is done, as you might expect from the name, routinely. The good news is that it will keep your vehicle happy and healthy. The bad news? Routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations can sometimes cost a pretty penny, and those expenses can take you by surprise when don't plan ahead for them.

The potential cost of these services is one reason to start thinking about them as soon as you drive away in your new vehicle, but that is by no means the only reason to plan ahead.

In fact, taking your vehicle in for routine maintenance regularly - services like an oil change, tire alignment, tire rotation, fluid and brake check,  air filter change, and more - is one of the best ways to avoid major problems with your vehicle down the road. Routine maintenance can extend the life expectancy of your vehicle by a significant amount.

One of the most critical services that you should stay up-to-date on is an oil change. Many people dread it and put it off, which can have negative impacts on their vehicles, but the process of an oil change is much simpler than you might think, especially if you take it into a shop.

Benson Alfa Romeo can help you with your oil change service needs at our service center. But first, some information about an oil change and why the service is so important.

Most people have heard of engine oil or motor oil, at least in passing. But many people don't know exactly what it is or how it helps with engine protection. The oil that goes in your car is called engine oil or motor oil and has a huge hand to play in the well-being of your car.

Whereas you can look at gasoline as the food that keeps your vehicle running, you might also look at your car's motor oil as the blood that is pumped through a heart - or, in this case, the engine. This motor oil does many things that blood in a heart can't, however, such as providing engine protection and preventing overheating.

While there are many types of oils and fluids that come into play in your engine, an oil change refers specifically to changing the motor oil in your vehicle, although it is often paired with other services, such as topping of fluids, checking head and taillights, air filter replacements, and more.

The fast-moving parts of your engine can heat up significantly while your engine is running. The heat and friction of these moving parts can cause your engine to deteriorate quickly. Motor oil is specifically designed to help cool and lubricate parts of your engine that move, such as pistons, bearings, valves, and cylinder walls, to help prevent that deterioration.

This cooling and lubricating is critical for your engine's well-being, but because of your engine's reliance on motor oil and its exposure to heat and dirt over time, the motor oil breaks down over time on a chemical level and loses its lubricating properties.

Taking time to regularly replace old motor oil with new refreshes those lubricating and cooling properties, which can increase your engine's performance, longevity, gas mileage, and more.

As the motor oil does its job, it collects metal particles, dirt, and debris from the moving engine parts. A motor oil filter, which should also be replaced regularly, helps collect those particulates so that your oil lasts longer. But even the highest-quality oil breaks down over time due to those high temperatures and wear.

A standard oil change simply drains all of the old motor oil out of your vehicle and replaces it with fresh motor oil. Changing the aforementioned oil filter every time you get an oil change helps give your motor oil the longest possible lifespan. 

This filter should be replaced frequently to avoid clogs and prevent debris from being cycled through your engine again and again, which can damage your engine over time. A new oil filter not only helps prevent those clogs but can also improve the performance of your motor oil and your vehicle.

Here's the good news: checking your motor oil is a very simple process. Most modern vehicles come with an Oil Life Monitoring System or an OLMS, which can monitor your oil for you. It is still important to check your oil for yourself from time to time, but this is a quick and simple process that can easily be done at home.

While there are different recommendations for how to do this, it is generally pretty consistent between vehicles. When in doubt, however, check the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer in your Owner's Manual.

The process of checking your motor oil is simple: all you need is a paper towel. First of all, access your engine by opening the hood of your car. Make sure the engine is cool first so that you don't burn yourself.

Find the dipstick - if you're unsure where to find it or it isn't labeled, check your Owner's Manual for specific directions on where to find it. Once you've found it, simply remove the dipstick, wipe it off, then reinsert it. From here, you'll want to slowly remove the dipstick once more to check the oil level.

Ideally, the oil should be between the markings on the dipstick for "low" and "high." If your oil is low, if it is any color other than caramel, tan, or amber, or if there are visible dirt particles, it is time for an oil change.

If you manually check your oil and any of the previously mentioned oil traits are true, you need to take your vehicle in for an oil change. But even without these factors, you still need to change your oil regularly. But how often does it need to be changed?

If your vehicle has an OLMS, it should inform you when you need an oil change. It bases this decision on a variety of factors, such as engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven. Once your OLMS light comes on, it is time to get an oil change.

If your vehicle doesn't have an OLMS, check your Owner's Manual to see the recommended Service and Maintenance Schedule. This will recommend how often to take your car in for an oil change, as well as a recommended schedule for other services.

A good rule of thumb for getting an oil change is to change the motor oil and oil filter every three to six months or every 3,000-7,000 miles, whichever comes first. These ranges generally maximize oil life while minimizing engine wear and tear.

The type of oil you use can significantly affect the frequency that you need to get your oil changed. Synthetic motor oil can last closer to 6,000-7,000 miles, while conventional oil generally only lasts around 3,000 miles. Semi-synthetic lands somewhere in the middle. There are other types of oil, such as high-mileage oil, for those who drive a lot.

Since debris can build up in your oil and your oil filter as you drive, it is important to get oil changes regularly. But what happens if you skip the oil change?

The longer you go without an oil change service and a new oil filter, the more damage your vehicle faces. The debris that builds up in the engine gets recirculated through the engine again and again, leading to lowered performance, faster deterioration of the engine, corrosion, sludge accumulation, overheating, and even total engine failure.

If you don't know what type of motor oil your engine takes, you can check your Owner's Manual, under the hood, or even with a service professional. Most service centers list the type of oils your car can take in their database. Some vehicles will only use one type of oil, while others might have a choice. Generally speaking, there are three types of motor oils oil used in oil changes, although there are such things as high mileage motor oil.

Full synthetic oil is the most expensive type of oil on this list and can cost a pretty penny when it comes to oil changes, given that some vehicles can take up to five quarts of oil. While expensive, Full synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional or synthetic-blend oil, which means that you don't have to get an oil change quite as frequently, and can also provide better engine protection.

Semi-synthetic oil or synthetic blend oil combines conventional and synthetic oil. The oil features many of the benefits of synthetic oil at a lower price point that many drivers find much more affordable.

Conventional oil is the old-school variety that has been in use for decades. Manufacturers recommend this oil for older vehicles. It is the most common type of oil and comes from newly refined crude oil. Conventional oil comes in a range of viscosities and quality levels and is generally the most affordable, especially with those vehicles that take up to five quarts.

While some vehicles require a specific type of oil to keep the car running smoothly, others leave it up to the driver's discretion. Choosing the right type of oil for you and your driving habits is essential for your vehicle's performance. At the end of the day, an oil change is there to keep your car in the best possible condition. When in doubt, ask a service professional.

When it comes to maintenance and repairs, the service center at Benson Alfa Romeo provides the best service around. With a trustworthy team of professionals, you don't have to stress out about your next oil change service.

From brake repair to tire rotations, our service center can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our certified mechanics can answer all of your questions and give your vehicle the best care.

It's never been simpler to schedule service. You can schedule service online at any time or give our service center a call. Need something more comprehensive, like getting your car's engine repaired? No problem! 

In addition to a full-service oil change, we offer a variety of other maintenance services to keep your car in tip-top shape. Here's a comprehensive list of what we offer at our Greer service department:

Without a doubt, keeping your car maintained well will keep it running for longer. Your motor oil, most of all, is critical for the health of your engine, and maintenance is as simple as driving over to Benson Alfa Romeo and trusting us to do the work for you. You don't need to look any further for top-of-the-line service because we only offer the best at Benson Alfa Romeo. Come get an oil change and see how good our service is today.