To a lot of drivers, getting an oil change can feel like more of an arbitrary chore than an important part of car upkeep. If you're being proactive and getting your oil changed regularly, then you'll likely never see exactly what happens if you don't. Slacking on oil changes can be an expensive, eye-opening experience for first-time drivers, and there's a whole roster of nasty surprises (and expenses) you can save by staying on top of it.
Thankfully, there are only a few basic things you need to learn in order to keep your Volvo's engine running smoothly. Let's take a look!
Why Do I Need to Get My Volvo's Oil Changed?
Simply put, the engine oil in your Volvo is responsible for keeping the engine lubricated so it stays cool, clean, and consistent. As combustion engines basically rely on controlled explosions within the engine chambers in order to propel a car, they generate a lot of heat. Without any oil whatsoever, the heat and friction produced by the engine's pistons moving could easily cause it to start shredding itself and collapse within a couple of hundred miles-even fewer if the engine is being overworked.
Having fresh oil circulating properly in your engine system ensures that all of its complex parts can continue to operate at high speeds without having to worry about the dangerous effects of friction.
Beyond keeping your engine intact (which is pretty important on its own!), you'll also see benefits on both your car's emissions and your costs at the pump.
Over time, oil starts to break down and get "dirty" as more and more particulates begin to circulate in it. In addition to producing thicker emissions (resulting in higher CO2 output from your car), this dirty oil will also negatively impact your Volvo's gas mileage. Given how "bulky" Volvo models like the 2022 Volvo V60 can still comfortably get 31+ miles per gallon, it doesn't make any sense to buy such a top-line model if you'll effectively be limiting the performance you can get from it.
When Should I Get My Oil Changed?
Thankfully, all of these potential problems are easy to avoid: you just need to be proactive about getting your Volvo's oil changed at regular intervals. Given how sophisticated Volvo engines are, it's suggested to only use Volvo certified oil to ensure your car is optimally equipped to handle any extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
You should be prepared to change your oil roughly every 10,000 miles; although, this can vary slightly depending on your vehicle and driving habits. If you've been doing a lot of driving-especially for long distances at a time-since your last change, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution and start thinking about an oil change around 8,000 miles or so.
If you're ever unsure about the lifespan of your current oil, then visiting your local Volvo dealership is an easy way to take care of things. Your Volvo Dealership service center will be able to measure your oil and provide recommendations about when to change it next. Even better, your Volvo dealership will be equipped to replace your oil on the spot! Depending on your warranty, this might be completely free of charge!
Questions about when to get your oil changed? Is it finally time to get it replaced? Visit Smythe Volvo Cars today!
At Smythe Volvo Cars we are your top-tier Volvo resource. We proudly service new and used Volvo cars with our staff of certified Volvo repair technicians! Keep your tires fresh and your car running in peak condition by visiting us today.
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