The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Leased Vehicles

In Tulsa, Oklahoma (and everywhere else), leases have become a popular alternative to buying vehicles. When you get a lease, you’ll pay a monthly fee in exchange for an opportunity to rent a new car for a few years.

However, you’ll still be responsible for maintenance on your leased vehicle — and oil changes are a huge part of that. To learn more, read on for our detailed explanation of why oil change service matters for leased cars.

How Oil Changes Protect Your Engine

Even if you know your vehicle needs oil changes every so often, you might still be wondering why that’s the case. Fresh oil is responsible for handling all sorts of tasks in your car, including:

• Lubrication. When the moving parts in your engine aren’t thoroughly lubricated, they won’t be able to function as intended.
• Cleaning. Clean motor oil can trap contaminants such as dirt, preventing them from causing problems in your engine.
• Heat control. Your engine generates heat while it runs, and oil can redistribute that warmth and protect your car from overheating.
• Rust protection. In addition to its other roles, oil can stop rust from forming inside your engine.

However, your oil will only be able to prevent engine wear and protect your vehicle for so long; eventually, it will break down and become less effective. Because of that, you’ll need to schedule the occasional oil change to keep your car running like it should.

Can Oil Changes Help You Comply With Lease Terms?

The average car lease agreement contains all sorts of restrictions and requirements dictating what you can and can’t do with your leased vehicle. If you violate any of these restrictions, you could face a penalty — or worse consequences.

Because of that, it’s in your best interest to read your lease carefully. While doing so, you’ll almost certainly find information about your maintenance requirements under this agreement. Since oil changes are such a crucial part of auto maintenance, taking oil changes seriously should help you comply with your lease terms.

Other Benefits of Oil Changes

Engine protection and lease agreement compliance aren’t the only benefits associated with oil changes. When you take this maintenance task seriously, you’ll also enjoy:

An Extended Engine Life Span

Poor lubrication and other issues related to skipping oil changes can significantly reduce your engine’s service life. On the other hand, prioritizing this task can help your engine last as long as possible.

Better Fuel Efficiency

If your engine is fully lubricated, it won’t have to work too hard to deliver the results you’d expect. That means your engine will be able to use less fuel after an oil change, allowing you to save on gas for a while.

Improved Performance

Though skipping oil changes will have a negative impact on your engine’s performance, prioritizing this service will have the opposite effect. Among other perks, you may notice improved acceleration after getting an oil change.

A Higher Resale Value

After your lease term ends, you may want to buy this vehicle and sell it to someone else. Performing regular oil changes (and taking care of other maintenance services) is an excellent way to boost your car’s resale value.

Following Manufacturer Requirements for Oil Changes

If you’ve ever put some thought into oil change scheduling, you’ve probably heard the classic advice that you should get a Tulsa oil change every 3,000 miles or three months. Though that can be a decent starting point, you can do better by looking at the oil change requirements provided by your car’s manufacturer.

Your leased car should have come with a service schedule outlining your ideal oil change interval (along with advice on setting up other maintenance services). By following this schedule, you’ll get oil changes when your vehicle actually needs them.

Of course, you can adjust your manufacturer’s oil change recommendations based on your own situation. While doing so, you’ll want to consider factors such as:

• How old your vehicle is. The longer your engine has been in use, the less efficient it will be at using oil — and the more often it will need oil change service.
• The weather in your area. Summers in Tulsa can get hot, and this intense heat can certainly affect your motor oil.
• How you drive. Do you have severe driving habits such as driving extended distances at speeds under 50 mph or towing heavy loads? If so, it’s a good idea to compensate for these habits by getting oil changes more often than you would otherwise.
• What oil type you use. While conventional oil will cost less than full synthetic oil, you’ll also need to set up oil changes more frequently if you use this oil type.

Know Where To Go for a Tulsa Oil Change

Generally speaking, you’ll be able to go anywhere you want for maintenance on a leased vehicle — and that means you’ll need to do your research first. Though your dealership might seem like a great place to take care of oil changes, they could easily overcharge you for their services. Instead, most Tulsa drivers can benefit from getting oil change service from a trustworthy auto repair shop in the area.

When your leased vehicle is ready for an oil change, look for local auto shops that provide benefits like:

• ASE-certified mechanics. Your shop needs to employ qualified technicians to deliver the level of service you deserve, and they can’t do better than hiring mechanics with ASE certification.
• Money-saving opportunities. If your lease doesn’t cover oil changes, you’ll want to save as much as possible on this work — and online coupons can help.
• Locations near you. No matter where you live in or around Tulsa, you should be able to get oil changes at a location in your neighborhood.

To get the best oil change in Tulsa, stop by Tate Boys Tire & Service! We deliver each of these advantages and more, making us the perfect destination for your maintenance and repair needs. Get started by requesting a quote for your next oil change!