What Is Checked During An Oil Change?

Changing your oil isn’t just about protecting your engine, it’s also a good excuse to get under the hood and check stuff out-to make sure everything’s working. And this has to happen more than once a year. Check out this checklist of stuff you need to look for next time you change your oil.

Fluids – Oil is not the only precious liquid that keeps your car running; think of the radiator, the motor, the power steering, and the brakes. All these fluids are necessary to keep your vehicle running smoothly. And while the windshield washer fluid is more nice-to-have than you need-to-have, you can always check the amount on a regular basis. How do I know if I need more than that? If it is on a dipstick or a line on a reservoir, each fluid device would have a means of measuring the level and a clearly indicated minimum.

Belt and Hoses – Although you’re not going to need to replace belts as much as you change your oil, your serpentine belt, v-belt, and timing belt (where applicable) are worth a one-off any time you’re under your hood. And when it comes to hoses, even the slightest cracks can lead to leaks or cracks. Look for wetness under/around fluid structures that could suggest leakage. Do a close visual inspection and if there are a few holes, kinks, bulges, or bubbles in your hoses, replace them before they cause any problems. How am I supposed to know if there’s a question? Squealing or other odd noises coming from underneath the hood can suggest problems with the belt. And while some noticeable wear and tear is natural, a few cracks, missing bits, or missing grooves are a sign that it’s time to replace them. 

Tune-Up – If you’re the sort to change your own oil — and do other routine maintenance on your car — we’re going to salute you. But the average DIYer does not always have the equipment or room to conduct all the inspection and maintenance necessary. Find a mechanic you trust and make them part of the long-term maintenance of your car. They can prove invaluable when larger repairs are needed, and a professional’s annual tune-up can be worth the price in the peace of mind. How am I supposed to know when to turn to a pro? If you’re uncertain about it, it’s time. If you know that your car has been under heavy maintenance for a long time, it never hurts to consult a specialist.

Like a human body, cars need to be kept in a safe, tip-top condition to function as they should. A breakdown may also be avoided if the car is properly maintained. This repair involves testing the amount of fluid or adding air to the tires. How do you know what to look at and when? What does the owner of a car look for while inspecting? Follow these: