Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Changes

As a car owner, you probably know that you need to get your car’s oil changed periodically. But how often should you do that? And should you take your vehicle to a mechanic or try to complete the oil change yourself?

Don’t worry. We’ll cover all of that here by going over some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about oil changes.

Common Oil Change FAQs

What Happens to My Car During an Oil Change?

An oil change may sound like a mysterious process that you periodically have to schedule, but it really isn’t. Here’s how the process works: first, the service center technician checks the oil for its color, consistency, and levels. If the color is dark, the consistency is thick, and/or the levels are low, the technician begins draining the oil. They do this by pulling a plug at the bottom of the drain pan, which allows the old oil to drain out of your vehicle and into a receptacle below, where it will be disposed of.

Once the old oil is completely drained, the technician puts the drain plug back in and removes the old oil filter. Then they add new oil to the filler cap under your car’s hood.

Can I Perform a DIY Oil Change at Home?

Yes, you can, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. While the process sounds easy enough, the most difficult part of the oil change process comes at the end. That’s when the new oil is placed on the filler cap. Getting the right amount of oil is extremely important, and it’s very easy to fill the cap with too much or too little oil, either of which could cause problems for the engine.

How Do I Check My Oil Levels?

Checking your car’s oil levels is simple: first, pull your vehicle’s dipstick out and clean it with a rag. Then see where the oil level currently lies—it should fall between the two notches at the end of the dipstick. As you check the oil levels and wipe down the dipstick, you should also check the oil color and consistency. If the oil is very dark and/or very thick, you should schedule an oil change.

How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?

The general rule for oil changes is that you should get your car’s oil changed every three months. However, that’s not the case for every vehicle. Because of this, you should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what it recommends. Always refer to your owner’s manual to check its recommendations about everything, even beyond oil changes. In this case, though, check the owner’s manual and use the intervals it suggests (whether that’s three months, six months, or another period) and schedule your oil change appointments at your local service center accordingly.

Get Your Car’s Oil Changed Near You in the Kansas City Area

If you need an oil change in the Kansas City area, visit the McCarthy Auto Group service center that’s closest to you. We have locations in both Missouri and Kansas, including places like Blue Springs, Sedalia, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, and Overland Park.

And if you need body work performed on your car after an accident, check out one of our McCarthy Collision Centers locations in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Overland Park, and Olathe. Reach out to us whenever you need major repairs!