Why Regular Oil Changes Save You Money

An oil change is the single most important maintenance item for your engine — and the most affordable.At Strong's Alignment Services, we've rebuilt engines that could have been saved with a simple $45 oil change.Here's why staying on schedule matters.

What Engine Oil Actually Does

Engine oil isn't just a lubricant. It serves five critical functions:

1. Lubrication: Reduces friction between hundreds of moving metal parts spinning at thousands of RPM.
2. Cooling: Carries heat away from the combustion chamber and moving parts.
3. Cleaning: Suspends microscopic metal particles, carbon deposits, and contaminants.
4. Sealing: Helps seal the gaps between piston rings and cylinder walls.
5. Corrosion protection: Additives in the oil prevent rust and acid buildup inside the engine.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil ?

The old "every 3,000 miles" rule is outdated for most modern vehicles.Here's the current guidance:

• Conventional oil: Every 3,000–5,000 miles
• Synthetic blend: Every 5,000–7,500 miles
• Full synthetic: Every 7,500–10,000 miles

However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions — short trips, stop-and-go traffic, dusty roads, extreme heat or cold — you should change more frequently. Connecticut winters definitely qualify as severe conditions.

Synthetic vs.Conventional: Which Is Right for You ?

Conventional oil works well for older vehicles with simpler engines and lower mileage. It's more affordable per change but needs to be changed more often.

Full synthetic oil is engineered to resist breakdown, maintain viscosity across extreme temperatures, and flow better during cold starts. It costs more per change but lasts longer and provides superior protection — making it cheaper per mile.

Our recommendation: if your vehicle has a turbocharged engine, GDI(gasoline direct injection), or more than 75,000 miles, full synthetic is worth the investment .

The Real Cost of Skipping Oil Changes

Here's the math that matters:

• Oil change: $45–$85 depending on oil type
• Sludge cleaning(if caught early): $200–$500
• Engine rebuild due to oil starvation: $3,000–$7,000
• Engine replacement: $5,000–$10,000+

A single skipped oil change won't destroy your engine. But a pattern of neglect leads to oil sludge buildup, restricted oil passages, and eventually bearing failure or seized engines.

What We Include in Every Oil Change

At Strong's, an oil change isn't just draining and filling.We perform a multi - point courtesy inspection with every service:

• Oil and filter replacement with quality products
• Tire pressure check and adjustment
• Fluid level check(coolant, brake, transmission, power steering)
• Visual brake inspection
• Battery condition check
• Air filter inspection
• Belt and hose visual check

Schedule Your Oil Change

Drive into Strong's Alignment Services at 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT. Walk-ins welcome — we handle most oil changes in 30 minutes or less.

Call: (860) 569 - 1440