Your car relies on a lot of maintenance to give it the service that will boost its productivity and reliability. If you have a vehicle that you use for everyday matters, such as getting to work or school, running errands and transporting your kids, you need to be meticulous about taking care of this maintenance. To that end, the most important maintenance that you can get for your vehicle is an oil change. If you're unfamiliar with oil changes or just want to learn some more, consider the following tips to help you out throughout the course of vehicle ownership. 

What is involved in getting my oil changed?

When you take your car in for an oil change, the auto shop will take jack it up and stabilize it before going under the hood and draining your oil. Once your car is completely drained, they will fill your engine with quarts of new oil. When you get an oil change, you should also have the auto shop change your filter, so that you can protect your car from contaminants. 

How much does an oil change cost?

Talk to a few auto shops for phone estimates so that you can know what you'll pay for your year, make and model of vehicle. However, you can typically expect to pay between $20 and $55. This can cost you more if you go for other repairs on top of it, such as engine tune ups, which are routinely added to oil changes. 

How will an oil change help my car?

Vehicle experts recommend that you change your oil frequently for good reason. Consider some of these benefits of getting your oil changed, so that you can make the right decision for your vehicle:

• Your car will get better gas mileage, which keeps you on the road longer and more money in your bank account
• The engine will last longer and perform better
• The car will operate cleaner, with less noxious emissions, which protects the environment and allows you to pass statewide emissions tests
• Your engine will be free of debris
• The transmission will work better, since the engine and transmission are parts that work in conjunction with each other

Follow along with this information, so that you understand the benefits of oil changes for the vehicle that you own. When you are ready for an oil change, take your car to a licensed and certified auto shop that can help you out, like Fleet Services.