Probably one of the most basic car maintenance items for your vehicle is also the most important: The oil change. That's why changing your oil regularly should be at the top of your to-do list.
But a regular "fast oil change" from some quick lube shop won't cut it. You need an honest, reputable, and professional service center near you to do your vehicle justice. If you happen to live in Birmingham, that service center can be found at Jim Burke Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.
Although we specialize in Chrysler, RAM, Dodge and Jeep oil changes near Hoover, we don't turn our backs on the non-Chrysler, RAM, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. (That's just rude!)
In fact, with years of experience and training, plus access to state-of-the-art equipment, our oil change technicians are able to work on virtually any vehicle on wheels. This includes Nissans, Hyundais, Subarus, and more.
If you have questions about our ability to change your oil in Birmingham, contact us at (205) 502-2772. We'd be glad to put your worries to rest.
You may have heard it said that oil is the "life blood of your car." While this may sound like a cliché, the reality is that it's absolutely true.
The inner workings of today's modern engines are quite sophisticated. There are many moving metal parts that without oil to lubricate them would literally seize up and stop working. The inside of your car's engine needs lots of oil to prevent friction between the metal parts such as the pistons, valves, and crankshaft. The engine also gets extremely hot, and oil helps to keep the motor cooler. Clean motor oil also stops carbon and harmful varnishes from building up in your engine block.Â
For the layman, choosing the right oil for your car can be a bit confusing. That's because oil comes in different "viscosities" (that refer to both the thickness of the oil and its level of performance) and grades or weights.
The oil thickness is described by numbers and letters. They represent how much resistance the oil has to flow freely throughout the engine. For instance, there's "multi-viscosity" oils such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. These oils respond to differences in temperatures. Â
The "W" (or winter) grade is designed for colder temperatures and means that the oil starts out thinner when the engine is colder, then gradually thickens as the engine warms up to better protect the engine's internal moving parts. This makes it easier for the engine to start up on colder mornings.
Some motor oils, such as straight 30-weight oils, for example, stay at a consistent viscosity regardless of the engine's operating temperature. Generally speaking, the lower the number, the thinner the oil. The thinner the oil, the better it performs in colder climates.Â
Oils are graded and certified by organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and must meet certain quality standards set by the API and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The goal is to limit the wear and tear on internal engine parts so your engine runs better and longer.
Our Birmingham oil change shop will gladly help you figure out what motor oil and oil filter to put in your vehicle. Â
For many years, the accepted standard has been to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles. However, many newer cars and newer oils on the market, such as full-synthetics or synthetic blends, are designed to last a lot longer. In fact, some high-mileage oils can last 15,000 miles or longer!
But you shouldn't guess how long to wait between oil changes. The best authority, of course, is your owner's manual. It will tell you the correct oil to use and how often to change it. Staying current on your maintenance schedule as spelled out in your owner's manual is not only essential to keeping your car running properly, but it also affects your car's warranty.
Need an oil change in Jefferson County, AL? Click here to schedule your car oil change in Birmingham. We're conveniently located at 1409 5th Ave N and are open 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday).
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