Spring Maintenance: The Best Time for an Oil and Filter Change
Spring is here and drivers across Canada can breathe a sigh of relief. The worst of winter is behind us, temperatures are rising, and summer road trips are on the horizon. But before you can focus on summer driving, your engine deserves some attention after a tough Canadian winter.
Spring is the perfect time to kick off your annual seasonal maintenance with an oil and filter change. Keep reading to see what you can expect from a professional springtime oil and filter service.
What Canadian Winters Do to Your Engine Oil
Extremely cold winter temperatures cause engine oil to thicken, which forces your engine to work even harder during cold starts. Over a long winter of short trips, stop-and-go driving, and idling, your engine oil becomes bogged down with moisture, combustion byproducts, and contaminants. This means a spring oil and filter change is an essential service as you shrug off the cold of winter and prepare for warmer seasons ahead.
Don’t Forget the Oil Filter
When you think of an oil change, you might not give the oil filter a second thought. But your oil filter is an essential part of keeping your engine clean and running smoothly. The oil filter traps contaminants throughout its service life and works even harder during the winter months. By spring, you may have dirty oil circulating through your engine. A fresh filter is what makes a fresh oil fill work and last longer.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Older guidelines recommended an oil change every 5,000 km. However, modern engines and advanced motor oils have extended oil change intervals significantly.
New recommendations now vary depending on your vehicle, oil type, and how often you drive. Most manufacturers now recommend an oil change every 8,000 to 12,000 km, though some vehicles require more frequent changes depending on driving conditions. These factors may contribute to more frequent oil changes:
- short trips
- frequent cold starts
- stop-and-go city driving
- dusty or sandy road conditions
- poor engine condition
- damaged engine components
Not sure what’s right for your vehicle? A NAPA AUTOPRO technician can recommend the correct interval for your specific vehicle and driving habits.
Spring and Summer Demands on Your Engine
As much as winter tests the limits of your vehicle, warmer temperatures, road trips, and potential towing in spring and summer can increase the load on the engine. Fresh oil in spring means your vehicle is ready for the higher demands ahead, rather than heading into a heavy driving season with already-degraded oil.
During your spring oil change, a NAPA AUTOPRO technician can confirm the right oil weight for warmer conditions based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Engine oil is rated by viscosity, which is its thickness and ability to flow at certain temperatures. With the correct oil type, you’ll be ready for all the warm weather adventures ahead.
What a Professional Oil and Filter Change Looks Like
A certified automotive technician does more than just drain and refill during your spring oil and filter change. A high-quality service appointment typically includes these steps:
- visual inspection of other fluid levels
- check of the drain plug and gasket to make sure there are no leaks
- comprehensive check under the hood for any mechanical issues
- confirmation of the correct oil specification for your vehicle
Most appointments are quick, so there’s no reason to put it off. Not only will you drive out with fresh engine oil, but you’ll also have peace of mind that your vehicle can safely handle the change in seasons.
Spring is a natural refresh point for your vehicle. As winter fades, it’s time to set your sights on getting your vehicle in peak condition for the longer and warmer days.
Avoid the rush and contact your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre for an expert oil and filter change, as well as a comprehensive spring maintenance package. With professional help, you’ll be ready to make the most of the driving season ahead.