Quality Oil Change Services in Sioux Falls, SD

Did you know you should have the oil changed in your vehicle every few months or every 2,000 miles? Your car, van, SUV or truck needs regular oil changes to keep your engine running smoothly. Keep your vehicle happy by bringing it in to a trusted Sioux Falls auto repair shop — Team Automotive. We’re proud to be ASE-certified, so trust us with your vehicle’s oil change, regular maintenance and services. We’ll work to find a plan that’s right for you, your schedule and your car.

The oil in your car helps lubricate all those moving parts in your engine and absorbs excess heat so your car can run efficiently. But engine oil doesn’t last forever, and the more often you take your car out for a drive, the more the oil breaks down. This is why it’s so important to get an oil change every few months or about every 2,000 miles. But which oil should you use? Well, it depends on your vehicle. Here are a few types of oils most cars, trucks, vans and SUVs need to keep their engines running smoothly:

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is the most affordable type of car oil you can buy. But while it costs less than other types of oils, it is also more susceptible to temperature changes. In heat, the oil thins out, and in colder temperatures, it thickens. Neither is good for your engine, but will suffice if need be. Conventional oil is also more likely to create sludge that can build up in your engine after it thickens or is contaminated.

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional, but it can stand strong in the face of fluctuating temperatures. It has better lubrication for your engine and has fewer impurities. This means it’s less likely to create sludge, thin during summer or thicken in winter. Because it is a better lubricant, the engine consumes less oil and it lasts longer than conventional.

Synthetic Blend

If you want a synthetic blend for your car, you’ll get a combination of conventional and synthetic oils. These oils last longer than conventional oils, don’t break down as easily and can resist heat a little better. They’re also more affordable than fully synthetic oils, but aren’t as purified.

High-mileage Synthetic Blend

High-mileage synthetic blends are specifically for cars, trucks, SUVs and vans that have 75,000 miles or more, depending on how old your car is. Newer vehicles don’t need high-mileage synthetic blends until they have even more miles, but your Team Automotive ASE-technician can help you decide when to make the switch. These oils help prevent leaks and protect piston rings. High-mileage synthetics last longer than conventional oil and cost less than fully synthetic oil.

While it’s important to know the difference between the types of oils and when to use them, remember to keep an eye on the oil filter as well. The filter keeps tiny contaminants from entering the engine’s lubrication system, which can lead to damaged parts. There are several parts that come with the oil filter to help it do its job, so checking and maintaining it is very important.

The best way to ensure the oil in your vehicle is still good, and to ensure the oil filter is still in working condition as well, is to make regular appointments at Team Automotive. Our ASE-certified technicians are ready to check out our oil levels and filters any time. If you’re not sure if you need to come in, consider the following signs that you need to make an appointment ASAP:

• Visible exhaust
• Loud engine sounds
• Check Engine light keeps appearing
• Vehicle shakes while idling
• Ticking when attempting to start engine
• Shifting isn’t smooth
• Strong oil smell
• Oil leak – texture is strange
• Engine overheating
• Low oil pressure
• Metallic clunking sounds

If your vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms, your oil filter or engine oil may need to be changed. The moment you suspect something is wrong with your SUV, truck, van or car, call Team Automotive. Bring your car to our auto repair shop and our ASE-certified mechanics will give you a free repair quote. Call us today for your next oil change in Sioux Falls, SD.

It’s true that driving your vehicle will burn the oil in your engine no matter how careful you are, but that doesn’t mean you should just let it happen. It’s easy to maintain clean oil in your car. Give these tips a try:

• Change oil every 2,000-3,000 miles
• Check oil levels every other fill up
• Avoid heavy grade oils in cold climates
• Regularly inspect oil filter and change as needed
• Change oil every 5 months if car is hardly driven

The reason you should still get an oil change every five months, even if you almost never drive, is because the oil’s lubricant naturally degrades over time. If you’re not sure how to change or inspect the components of your engine’s oil system, call Team Automotive. Bring your car in to our auto repair shop and we’ll give your car, truck, van or SUV an oil change, rotate your tires and more.