Do you really need to get a full oil change?

Here we go again… reminding you for the umpteenth time that yes, you do need to get your car on an oil change schedule. We know we’ve said it (multiple times) before, but scheduling routine oil changes in Orlando will help keep your engine cool, keep your car running reliably, and stave off a number of expensive repairs. It’s worth it, trust us.

However, we still get drivers every once in a while who think that sticking to a routine oil change schedule is tedious and expensive and want to take shortcuts. Our auto service techs recommend against this route when it comes to car care, and we’re here to explain why.

Can I top off my engine oil instead of changing it?

One of the big questions we get when it comes to oil and car care is whether or not it’s OK to just top the engine oil off instead of scheduling an Orlando oil change. Our answer? NO. Here’s why.

• When you simply add more oil to your engine, yes, you are keeping it at the proper level so you won’t have to worry about your engine running out. However, remember that as oil is circulated through your car’s engine, it picks up dirt and debris. It’s also exposed to high heat levels, which can change the consistency. Basically, if you were to never change your oil, you’d end up with black sludge in the engine. So when you just top things off, you’re adding clean oil to the existing dirty oil and you’re not really doing your engine any favors.
• As you circulate dirty motor oil through the engine, you can damage the engine itself, damage the piston rings and cylinder head valve guides, or get an oil leak. Not to mention, it can cause your engine to overheat and seize up. Overall, you’re costing yourself more money because you’ll undoubtedly end up having to do repairs on your vehicle. In short, you’ll save money in the short term but not in the long run.

On the other hand, when you get a full Orlando oil change on a routine schedule, you’re providing your engine with the proper levels of clean oil so it can keep the system cool and lubricated. This results in better engine health, better vehicle health overall, and fewer issues with performance. Here are a few other perks of sticking to a routine schedule for this type of car care:

• A greener performance
• Better fuel efficiency
• Longer life for your engine and all associated parts and accessories
• Improved engine efficiency
• A worry-free emissions test

Overall, it’s worth it to stick to a schedule and not just “top things off” when the oil level gets low.

Schedule an oil change in Orlando at our Toyota service center

Need an oil change in Orlando to get things back to normal under the hood? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida. You can reach us at (407) 298-0001, schedule online, or simply stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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