Oil Changes

The engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant that run throughout your vehicle serve a crucial purpose. These fluids help the many systems that comprise your vehicle to run smoothly. Without them, the performance and longevity of your vehicle would be diminished significantly.

Benefits of Changing Your Car’s Oil and Fluids

Changing your car’s oil and fluids on a regular basis offers numerous benefits. The following are just a few of them:

• The right oil helps minimize the natural friction that occurs in your engine. This, in turn, helps prevent your car from overheating and improves gas mileage.
• Changing the coolant as recommended helps your car’s cooling system to function more efficiently.
• The correct oil — as stipulated by the car’s manufacturer — also helps extend the longevity of your vehicle’s engine.
• By replacing the transmission fluid as recommended by the manufacturer, you could avoid repairs or even a costly transmission replacement in the future.

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Engine Oil Overview

The engine oil you use in your vehicle can make a significant difference in the life of your engine. Also often referred to as motor oil, the engine oil keeps the mechanisms of the engine functioning properly by covering its components with a thin layer of oil. The helps to reduce the friction found within the engine, reduces the deterioration of its components and absorbs combustion’s natural byproducts.

The viscosity of an engine oil is one of its most important features. Viscosity refers to the oil’s ability to resist heat as well as its thickness. This viscosity is determined by the chemical makeup of a particular oil. If an oil is able to retain its viscosity at high temperature levels, it has a higher viscosity index than others that cannot.

Today’s engine oils come in a variety of types — each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common categories are fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral or natural. These engine oil types are not interchangeable so you won’t be able to use them all in your own car. Your car will require a particular kind of oil that should always be used.

Each engine oil is issued a rating, such as 5W40. The number found before the “W” is the viscosity rating when the oil is cold. A low number means that the engine will start more easily during cold weather. The number after the “W” indicates when the oil will start to thin out as it is heated up.

Overview of the Types of Engine Oil

Fully Synthetic:

• Reduces fuel expenditures
• Coats the engine’s moving parts quickly
• Starts well when it’s cold and circulates quickly
• Improves the performance and power of the engine
• Protects the engine from wear and build-up of deposits

Semi-synthetic:

• Provides good protection within 10 minutes of starting the engine
• Reduces engine wear about three times better than fully synthetic oils
• Does not require changes as frequently as fully synthetic oils
• Offers better protection when compared to a fully synthetic oil

Mineral:

• Provides basic protection
• Must be changed more frequently

When Should I Get an Oil Change?

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Coolant

The coolant helps regulate the temperature of your engine. Get into the habit of checking the reservoir that holds the coolant. It’s usually a white container that is located to the side of the engine. Be sure to check the coolant level only when the engine is cold. It should fall between the “high” and “low” indicators on the container.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid is the mechanism that allows your car to shift from gear to gear smoothly. Within your transmission is a filter that helps trap debris and keep the fluid clean. Transmission fluid that is low can result in poor shifting and could damage your transmission.

Brake Fluid

The brake fluid in your car is what transmits the pressure of your foot on the brake pedal to the master cylinder and the calipers. This pressure results in the calipers clamping down on the rotors so your car stops. Changing the brake fluid as recommended ensures that your braking system works well.

Woodmen Nissan’s service center is happy to help you with the replacement and maintenance of your vehicle’s fluids.

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Service Hours

• Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
• Sunday: Closed

Parts Hours

• Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
• Sunday: Closed

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