York's Honda Oil Change Service
An oil change is one of the most common and important maintenance procedures for a vehicle. It's also one of the most frequent, as vehicles tend to need fresh oil approximately every 5,000 miles, though it depends on the model. While you can perform your oil changes, the certified technicians in our service center are experts on all things Honda and are thus capable of identifying additional issues associated with your oil and the engine in which it functions. Read on to learn more about changing your Honda's oil and how we can help you.
The Importance of Getting Your Oil Changed
The Mechanic by Tim Mossholder is licensed with Unsplash License
Motor oil's primary function is to lubricate the components of your vehicle's engine. The pistons, camshaft, and valves are among the numerous moving mechanisms in an internal combustion engine, and proper lubrication allows them to operate with minimal friction. With less friction, you also lessen the chances of undue wear and tear, thereby decreasing the threat of engine breakdown and extending the life of your vehicle.
The problem is that your engine's oil develops dirt, sludge, and other buildup with use. When that happens, the lubricating properties of the oil diminish, negating all of the functions it's supposed to perform.
Moreover, motor oil also performs two other important functions: cooling and cleaning. The cooling is the result of both reducing mechanical friction and absorbing a fraction of the heat generated by all of the engine's moving components. The cleaning is due to the additional contents of motor oil, such as cleaning agents and viscosity improvers, which help to keep engine deposits from developing into a harmful buildup.
How To Tell Whether You Need Your Oil Changed
While the general recommendation is to get your oil changed every 5,000 miles or so, you can also heed certain signs from your vehicle that tells you it's time to change it now. One such sign is visible on your dashboard. Keep an eye out for the oil pressure warning light, which resembles an old-timey oil lamp. If you see it illuminate, that means that the engine lacks sufficient oil. Be mindful of the check engine light, too, as it could suggest that some oil-related problems are afoot.
Other signs are sensory. Do you hear peculiar sounds from the engine, such as knocking? Do you smell oil while you're in your vehicle? Do you see dark smoke emanating from your vehicle's tailpipe? When you check your engine's oil, does it appear overly dark, such that it entirely obscures the material of the dipstick? These are all indications that you should get your oil changed immediately.
Also, make sure to monitor your vehicle use. If you feel that you've driven more than usual since your last oil change, check your oil regularly and be vigilant for signs of problems.
Types of Motor Oil
The two primary categories of motor oil are conventional oil and synthetic oil. Conventional oil is a derivative of crude oil that has been refined until it has developed properties that are suitable for lubricating an engine. Synthetic oil begins as conventional oil but undergoes further refinement through chemical engineering. It boasts fewer impurities and a more uniform molecular structure, both of which allow it to perform better than conventional oil. It can function better in extreme temperatures, both high and low, and it tends to last longer and provide better protection.
While most Hondas take conventional oil, you can certainly use synthetic oil even if your driver's manual recommends otherwise. In fact, producers of synthetic oil tend to engineer their product to be compatible with various engine types.
You might also consider additional subtypes of these two main categories. Synthetic blend motor oil, for example, combines synthetic and conventional oil and is ideal for protection against oxidation and low-temperature environments. There's also high-mileage motor oil, which is a synthetic that minimizes oil burn-off and prevents oil leaks, making it suitable not only for new models but also for older models with high mileage.
How Much Is a Honda Oil Change?
The specific cost of an oil change for your Honda may depend on a few factors, namely the type, quality, and amount of oil used and where you elect to have the service done. Most Hondas take regular oil, which usually costs less than synthetic, though you should reference your owner's manual to confirm the oil type your model requires. With that in mind, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 for your oil change, with a narrower range of $50 to $75 applying in most cases.
How Long Does a Honda Oil Change Take?
A properly executed oil change usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes to complete. The process begins with the technician examining the oil that's already in your vehicle to determine its quantity and condition. They then drain the oil, dispose of it, replace it with new oil according to the requirements of your specific model, and start the engine to let the oil cycle through the engine. As it cycles, the technician monitors the vehicle for problems such as leaks and deterioration, which would require merit services.
Convenient Online Scheduling
At Ciocca Honda of York of York, we strive to establish a hassle-free customer experience. Use our convenient online scheduling tool to set up your next oil change. If you're new to us, input the make, year, and model of your vehicle, as well as its transmission, drive type, trim, engine details, and mileage. Then select the services you'd like and your preferred date of service. Finally, input your contact information, choose your notification preferences, and add comments before finalizing the scheduling of your oil change.
For other maintenance concerns, get in touch with our service center by calling 888-708-4373 or completing the message form on our contact page. When you're ready to drop off your vehicle, head to 1313 Kenneth Road here in York, Pennsylvania, to find our dealership. Before you come, make sure to check our service coupons page for any applicable discounts. Just print out the offer and present it to us when you arrive. We look forward to helping you enjoy many more miles from your Honda.
