Toyota Oil Change in Prosper, TX

Judging by the large number of facilities offering oil changes in Prosper, Texas, it's clear they're an essential part of maintaining your vehicle. But you may wonder why you should change the oil, how often you should do it, and what kind of oil you should use. Put simply, regular oil changes are essential for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV to perform efficiently and last for a long time.

An oil change serves two purposes. It ensures that the oil in your car is at the right level and not contaminated with debris. Read below as our team takes you through some frequently asked questions about oil changes and why you should schedule your vehicle's next oil change at Longo Toyota of Prosper. What Does Oil Do?

Oil lubricates your vehicle's moving parts, ensuring the engine operates smoothly. If there's too little oil, parts will wear down faster because of friction, and, what's worse, heat may build up that can seriously damage the engine. If you don't maintain the oil level in your vehicle, other problems can develop, such as sticking pistons. And friction may mean that it takes more energy for the engine to run, decreasing fuel efficiency.

After the oil has been in the engine for a long time, it becomes dirty and degrades, making it less effective and preventing the engine from running smoothly. Sludge can develop in the oil tank, which can then get into the engine.

The more dirt there is in the engine, the more likely there will be friction in the engine, putting your vehicle at a higher risk for expensive oil damage. Bringing your vehicle to Longo Toyota of Prosper for a quick oil change can help prevent this and is one of the best ways to keep your car's engine running smoothly. How Often Should You Change the Oil?

Car manufacturers make different recommendations about how often you should change the oil in your vehicle, but the most common is every 90 days or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your vehicle's age, the oil type you choose, and driving conditions.

You should also keep an eye on the oil level between oil changes and change it if it gets too low. It's better to change it instead of simply adding oil. Adding oil can lead to particulates and dirt building up in the oil. Contact Longo Toyota of Prosper if you're wondering if it's time to change your vehicle's oil.

What Does an Oil Change Involve?

An oil change starts with draining the old oil from the engine. Our technician will remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one that's free from dirt and add new, clean oil to your vehicle to ensure all the parts get the lubrication they need to work properly. An oil change is a quick service that generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes, so you can wait while the technician completes it. If there are any other services you want us to complete at the same time, you may need to plan for a longer visit.

What Are Other Services Available With an Oil Change?

Longo Toyota of Prosper offers other services with an oil change, such as replacing the power steering fluid, adding windshield washer fluid and antifreeze, or topping the engine coolant. You can also have us check the battery, serpentine belt, and tire pressure, change the bulbs, and replace the wiper blades. During your car's oil change, we can inspect and change the air filter, which is essential to keep your vehicle running at its full potential. In some cases, you can have us lubricate some of the moving parts on your vehicle, such as door hinges, so that they move smoothly.

We can also provide tire rotation as part of the service. Your vehicle's front tires usually power it, so they move when you steer your vehicle, while the back tires stay in position. Because of the different force levels on your car's tires, they wear down differently, so it's a good idea to rotate them regularly. We can do this quickly and easily as part of the oil change service. You should have your vehicle's tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but check with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations to be sure.

What Kind of Oil Does Your Car Need?

Not all engine oil is the same, and each auto store has several options. Oils vary according to weight and viscosity, and some have useful additives that can benefit your vehicle. It's best to take expert advice or check the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations before choosing which oil to use. If you use the wrong kind of oil, it'll be more difficult to follow the pattern of degradation that takes place in the oil, so you risk damaging your car's engine.

One common choice is whether you want to use synthetic or conventional oil. Synthetic oil is a higher quality oil that's more chemically stable, less likely to oxidize and acidify quickly, and won't break down as readily, so we recommend using it. Conventional oil will provide adequate lubrication, but it can't compete for quality. Synthetic oil offers greater protection for your car's engine by keeping it cleaner. It flows better when temperatures are low and is less likely to break down in higher temperatures.

So, there you have it. Longo Toyota of Prosper has shared how important oil changes are for your car to run smoothly and efficiently. They are easy to arrange, don't take a lot of time, and you can use them to do spot checks on other parts of your vehicle, helping you stay ahead on upkeep. If your car needs an oil change or you want advice on maintenance, contact Longo Toyota of Prosper and see what we can do for you.