Every driver knows that oil changes are an important part of routine maintenance for vehicles, but a lot of commercial drivers are unsure about how to properly handle maintenance for their machinery. While maintenance needs and frequency are different for cars and commercial vehicles, routine oil changes are always essential when it comes to keeping a vehicle running well. Keep reading to learn more about how frequently to bring a vehicle to a commercial fleet maintenance shop in Ocala, FL for an oil change.
Oil change frequency
There are a lot of different factors that affect oil change frequency needs. Light-duty commercial vehicles might need oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while heavy-duty commercial vehicles often only need oil changes every 13,000 to 16,000 miles. Those intervals go up even more when dealing with newer commercial vehicles. Most new heavy-duty commercial vehicles only need oil changes every 25,000 miles.
Another factor that affects oil change frequency is maintenance history and care. The better a vehicle is cared for, the easier it is to keep up on maintenance. Some commercial vehicles only require oil changes every 50,000 miles or so, as long as they are well taken care of. As diesel technology adapts and improves, that necessary service interval continues to increase. Today, modern diesel vehicles often push past the 50,000-mile interval for service thanks to their improved efficiency and performance capabilities.
Maximizing oil performance
No matter what kind of vehicle you have, there are several things that can improve the performance of your oil and reduce your need for more frequent oil changes:
- Use high-quality oil: High-quality oil lasts longer and performs better than low-quality oil. The increased cost of higher-quality oil is often worth it when it comes to its performance and the reduction in frequency of oil changes.
- Drive safely: Driving recklessly can put excessive pressure on your vehicle, leading to high oil consumption and other performance issues. Drive your vehicle safely and in accordance with safe operating guidelines to get more out of each oil change. Monitor your speed, take it easy on the road and avoid rough road conditions when possible.
- Get professional service: Bringing your vehicle to a professional diesel mechanic for service is the best way to maximize the benefits of maintenance. A professional knows how to ensure that your vehicle continues running as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible for many years to come. A technician can also assess the unique needs of your vehicle to determine a precise oil change frequency that will have the best results for your engine.
Visit our commercial fleet maintenance shop in Ocala, FL
Find out more about maintaining your commercial vehicles by reaching out to J & M Trailer Repair. Since 2002, our shop has been serving customers with premier semi truck and diesel vehicle maintenance and repair services. We will inspect your vehicle and make service recommendations based on its make, model and service history. Our team has the experience and training necessary to ensure your vehicle is kept in pristine condition for as long as possible. Give us a call or stop by for an appointment today.