An oil change involves draining and replacing worn oil from the engine. The old oil filter usually gets replaced during this procedure. Regular oil changes ensure your oil is clean and high quality so it can properly lubricate your engine's parts. When your vehicle has fresh oil, the engine runs more efficiently, and there's less wear and risk of overheating. Oil changes are messy tasks that can be time-consuming if you don't know what you're doing. Save yourself the hassle and feel confident this job's done right when you schedule an oil change in State College, Pennsylvania, with Ciocca Volkswagen.
How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?
Volkswagen typically recommends getting your oil changed once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, different models can have varying requirements. For example, older used vehicles don't have the advanced engineering of newer models, so they usually need oil changes twice as often. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to learn the recommended oil change schedule for your specific model.
Manufacturers also set their oil change schedule by considering the average driver and their usual driving habits. You may like to get more frequent oil changes if you do a lot of towing or stop-start city driving, as these habits make the engine and its oil work harder.
Our Expert Service Technicians
Our Volkswagen-certified technicians have a superior understanding of Volkswagen models and their components. They know exactly what your vehicle needs and provide specialized service that you won't get from your average auto shop. Their commitment to excellence shines through everything they do, from complex repairs to routine maintenance jobs such as oil changes. Your Volkswagen deserves the very best, and it'll get it at Ciocca Volkswagen of State College.
Special Offers and Financing Options Available
We know the importance of oil changes, so we aim to make it easy for everyone to get this routine maintenance done on time. That's why we regularly run service specials that can help you save money on the procedures your vehicle needs, including oil changes. Check our website for the latest special service offers.
Our service now, pay later plans help you stick to the recommended service schedule. Get your service on time, then pay it off over time in small, manageable installments. There are no hard credit checks, and most customers get approved on the spot. It's just another way that Ciocca Volkswagen of State College makes servicing your vehicle easy.
Different Types of Oil and Their Benefits
Conventional and synthetic are the two main types of engine oil. Learning the differences between them and their benefits can help you answer the question "What type of oil do I need?"
Conventional vs. Synthetic: Which Is Best for Your Vehicle?
Conventional oil is an affordable motor oil that's refined from natural crude oil. It has molecules of different sizes, so its stability and ability to flow can change, especially at extreme temperatures. However, in average driving conditions, conventional motor oil works well for most vehicles. It may also be the only suitable option if you've got a car made before 1990.
Synthetic oil is a newer man-made oil with molecules that are all the same size. Its uniformity makes it more stable and able to flow even in very high or low temperatures. It lasts longer than conventional oil before its quality degrades, but it costs around twice as much. It's the recommended oil option for many new models, including high-performance vehicles. While it can enhance performance and reduce the frequency of oil changes in many modern vehicles, it's unsuitable for older models and cars with neglected engines, as it can accelerate the wear of failing oil seals and gaskets.
Synthetic oils are usually the better option for your vehicle. Choosing this type of oil is especially important if the manufacturer recommends it. If you're unsure what's right for your car, ask our service technicians.
Other Oil Variations
Synthetic blend oil has a mix of synthetic and conventional oils. It usually contains 10% to 25% synthetic oil, so it's a little more stable than conventional oil without being a lot more expensive. You can often use this oil in older cars that don't tolerate a full synthetic oil.
There's also high-mileage oil, a conventional oil with additives that provide extra protection for older engines. These include seal conditioners to slow down leaks, engine cleaners for greater efficiency, and anti-corrosive agents to prevent rusting. Traditionally, experts recommended high-mileage oils for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on the clock, but cars with fewer miles may also see some value.
Understanding Viscosity and What's Recommended for Your Car
Viscosity is how resistant a substance, such as engine oil, is to flow and shear. Oils with low viscosity flow freely, while oils with high viscosity move slower. Oils have a viscosity index that shows how much temperature impacts their level of viscosity. Your owner's manual lists the recommended oil viscosity index for your vehicle. We can also advise you which oils will help your engine operate at its best.
Book a Service Appointment Today
If your vehicle's due for an oil change or you can't remember the last time you took care of this important maintenance task, book an appointment at our service center. Our trained technicians can work efficiently to change your oil and get you back on the road again. Call us at 888-928-6083 or book your service online today.
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Ciocca Volkswagen of State College
3220 West College Avenue, Building 2
State College, PA 16801
- Sales: 814-206-0902
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