Blog

The Role of Engine Oil in Your Vehicle

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Without it, moving parts would grind together, generate extreme heat, and cause catastrophic damage. Here’s what oil does for your engine every time you start your vehicle:

• Lubrication: Oil forms a protective layer between moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear.
  
• Cooling: While your cooling system handles most of the heat, engine oil absorbs and redistributes some of it to prevent overheating.
  
• Cleaning: Oil carries dirt, metal particles, and debris away from engine components, trapping them in the oil filter.
  
• Protection: Additives in oil help prevent corrosion and keep seals flexible.
  

When oil becomes dirty, thick, or depleted, it can no longer do its job effectively. That’s why sticking to proper oil change intervals is critical to keeping your engine healthy.

Regular Oil Change Benefits

Drivers sometimes underestimate how much a simple oil change can do for their vehicle. Here are the biggest advantages of keeping up with oil changes:

1. Improved Engine Performance
   Clean oil reduces resistance inside the engine, allowing it to run more smoothly and efficiently. This means better acceleration and overall responsiveness.
   
2. Extended Engine Life
   By reducing friction and removing contaminants, regular oil changes help prevent premature engine wear. Many engines that receive proper care last well beyond 300,000 kilometers.
   
3. Better Fuel Economy
   Old, dirty oil makes your engine work harder, which consumes more fuel. Fresh oil allows it to run more efficiently, saving you money at the pump.
   
4. Reduced Risk of Costly Repairs
   Neglecting oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, overheating, or even complete engine failure. Compared to the cost of an engine replacement, a full-service oil change is a very small investment.
   
5. Consistent Reliability
   You depend on your car daily. Staying on schedule with oil changes helps ensure your vehicle is always ready for road trips, commutes, and everything in between.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

Even if you lose track of your oil change intervals, your vehicle may give you some warning signs. Pay attention to these indicators:

• Oil warning light on the dashboard: This is a clear signal that oil is low or degraded.
  
• Dark, dirty oil: Fresh oil is amber in color, while dirty oil looks dark and gritty.
  
• Loud engine noise or knocking: Lack of lubrication causes metal components to rub harshly against each other.
  
• Exhaust smoke: Blue or gray smoke can indicate oil burning inside the engine.
  
• Strong oil smell inside the cabin: This could mean a leak or overheating issue.
  

If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay—schedule a vehicle lubrication service right away.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Oil change intervals vary depending on your vehicle, driving habits, and the type of oil you use. While older vehicles with conventional oil may need service every 5,000 kilometers, many modern cars using synthetic oil can go 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers between changes.

However, extreme driving conditions—such as frequent short trips, towing, or driving in very hot or cold weather—can shorten the interval. At Pembina Valley Auto Service, our technicians check your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines and help you establish the right oil change schedule for your lifestyle.

What Happens During a Full-Service Oil Change

When you bring your vehicle in for a professional oil change, it’s more than just swapping out old oil for new. At Pembina Valley Auto Service, we perform a complete inspection to ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Drain and replace engine oil with the correct grade recommended for your vehicle.
   
2. Oil filter replacement to capture dirt and debris, ensuring clean oil flows freely.
   
3. Check and top off fluids including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
   
4. Inspect belts, hoses, and other key components for wear or damage.
   
5. Visual safety check covering tires, brakes, and lights for added peace of mind.
   

This full-service approach gives you more than just fresh oil—it ensures your car leaves the shop ready for the road.

Why Professional Oil Changes Beat DIY

Some drivers attempt at-home oil changes, but professional service offers advantages that go beyond convenience:

• Proper disposal of used oil in an environmentally safe way.
  
• Correct oil type and filter selection for your specific vehicle.
  
• Thorough inspections that can catch small issues before they turn into big repairs.
  
• Specialized tools and equipment to complete the job quickly and correctly.
  

Plus, Pembina Valley Auto Service regularly offers auto oil change specials, making professional service both affordable and worthwhile.

Protecting Your Investment with Regular Maintenance

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, and regular oil changes are one of the easiest ways to protect it. Combined with other maintenance services like wheel alignments, fuel injection diagnostics, and safety inspections, consistent care ensures your car performs reliably for years to come.

By keeping up with oil changes, you’ll enjoy smoother drives, fewer breakdowns, and greater confidence every time you get behind the wheel.

If it’s been a while since your last oil change, now is the time to act. At Pembina Valley Auto Service in Winkler, we’ve spent over 20 years helping local drivers from Morden, Altona, Carman, and across the Pembina Valley keep their vehicles in peak condition. Our certified technicians deliver trusted, full-service oil changes designed to fit your vehicle’s needs while ensuring your safety on the road.

Don’t wait until engine trouble shows up. Book your next oil change with Pembina Valley Auto Service today and keep your vehicle running strong for the road ahead.