Newer cars may not need an oil change every three months, although it is always best to consult with your vehicle manual, which details when you need to perform a scheduled maintenance. But if you are a first-time car owner who is taking in your car for an oil change service, here is what you can expect the mechanic to do with your vehicle.

Oil Change -- Some garages change the oil from compartments built underneath the bay, and some garages lift your car and change the oil with the car raised in the air. The first thing that a mechanic will do is to drain your existing oil, even if the oil is still usable. Oil mechanics only add new oil to old oil if you are going in for a top-up, in which your oil level is checked, and new oil is added to top it up. Old oil has a lower level of viscosity, which means it flows through your engine at a much slower rate than new oil. After the oil is drained, new oil is added. For new cars, it's especially important that the mechanic adds the oil recommended by your vehicle manual, because any warranty you have can be voided if you use the wrong type of motor oil. The amount of oil needed to fill up your car depends on the size of your engine. In addition to the oil change, your oil filters will also be swapped out, ensuring that the new oil won't be contaminated with dirt and sludge.

Types of Oil -- When your mechanic performs the oil change, there are three main types of oil he can use for your vehicle. According to Jiffy Lube, the most common types of oil are conventional oil, high mileage oil and synthetic oil. Standard oil is used for vehicles that aren't driven in very hot or very cold weather and that aren't used for long trips that put more stress on the engine. Standard oil is the most affordable oil you can buy. High mileage oil is used for vehicles that have more than 120,000 km, which means more wear and tear and an older engine, which requires oil that is gentler on old engine seals. Synthetic oil is the most expensive type of oil you can buy and offers the most protection against extreme fluctuations in temperature. It also improves engine cleaning and provides greater viscosity.

Talk with a mechanic at a business like Chatswood Brake & Clutch if you have specific questions about your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

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