Oil Change FAQs in Lafayette, LA

Oil is like the blood of your car — without it, your ride wouldn’t be able to run! That’s why oil changes are essential to maintaining your vehicle. Many don’t realize how crucial oil changes can be for their engine’s health and performance. That’s why the team at Giles Subaru has created a guide that answers all the common questions about this routine service. Keep reading to learn more!

What is an oil change?

Motor oil acts as a lubricant that cools the engine, reduces friction between components and lessens wear and tear. When you visit us for this service, our expert technicians will drain the dirty oil and replace your oil filter. Finally, they will fill your oil tank with fresh, premium oil so your car runs as smooth as possible.

Why are regular oil changes important?

If you neglect your car’s oil, you increase the risk of an overheated or seized engine, a blown gasket, poor performance or the engine dying completely. Dirty oil eventually turns into sludge that can harm your powertrain. When you schedule frequent oil changes, you give your engine a fresh start with proper lubrication and cooling abilities that allow it to perform its very best.

How often should I change my car's oil?

The frequency of your oil changes solely depends on what your owner’s manual says. This is simply because mileage intervals can vary between brands and models. The typical time frame for an oil change is every 5,000-7,500 miles if you’re using conventional oil. However, if your ride needs synthetic oil, it can go around 15,000 miles between oil changes. If you check your oil level frequently and notice that it’s low or dark, we recommend bringing your model in for service, no matter what your windshield sticker says.

What kind of oil should I select?

This is also dependent on what your owner’s manual specifies for your make and model. Keep in mind that there are three different oil types: conventional oil, synthetic blend and synthetic. There are many factors that influence what your vehicle needs, such as the oil’s weight and viscosity, additives, your car’s mileage and even the season. When in doubt, our service technicians can help you decide which oil is needed in order to achieve optimal performance for your ride.

What if I'm not due for an oil change, but I notice some problems?

There are other warning signs you need to watch for, even if your car isn’t due for an oil change. Keep an eye out for oil stains in your driveway (which could indicate an oil leak) or the oil light popping up on your dashboard (which means your vehicle has low oil pressure). Feel free to top off your oil with a bottle from the store, but remember that this is only a temporary fix. We highly recommend bringing your model to our service department to have your oil flushed and replenished.

If you have any questions about oil changes or need service, contact us today or stop by Giles Subaru at 100 Town Center Parkway, Lafayette, LA, 70503 . We look forward to serving our customers near New Iberia, Abbeville, Youngsville and Broussard.