Types of Motor Oil

New vehicles have come a long way, and so has motor oil. When you purchase a new vehicle through Melloy Dodge, you are likely going to purchase one that requires synthetic motor oil. But, what's the difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil? The difference is in how well it lubricates your engine. 

 For starters, conventional motor oil is refined from crude oil, which means that there are other organic materials within the oil. Whereas, when your vehicle uses synthetic motor oil, it is man-made and features fewer contaminants. This is ideal because you want very little additional compounds being put in your engine that could cause damage.

 Synthetic oil does not break down as quickly as conventional-- you’ll notice the service department will write “oil change light” on your sticker because when you use synthetic, this oil can last longer than the 6-month window you typically get with conventional crude oil. Synthetic oil can last anywhere from 5,000 miles (conventional oil change time) to 12,000 miles before needing to be changed. This saves you money and it’s better for your vehicle.

 It’s also important to note that if you are wanting to switch from conventional motor oil to a synthetic you will need to schedule a service appointment which can be done online because there are additional steps we have to take to make sure we flush your engine to remove additional debris before switching to synthetic oil.

 At Melloy Dodge, our express lane is fast, simple, and works within your schedule. There is no need to call and schedule an oil change, you can simply drive into our express lane, and we take care of your vehicle maintenance. While you are waiting, you can enjoy refreshments or wait in our designated waiting area either inside or out. Melloy Dodge is an NM Certified Covid Safe Business!

How Long Should I Warm My Vehicle Up For?

You may be walking out to your frosted-over-vehicle in the mornings before work thinking “I really should have started it before now so that it can warm up.” While it is not highly recommended and there is no solid information about this practice, here are some helpful tips from our service techs at Melloy Dodge.  

Most modern engines come equipped with remote start technology which both starts your vehicle and keeps it locked. One of the advantages of remote start is that your vehicle can not be driven unless the remote key is in the vehicle and the ignition is turned on. The most your vehicle needs to warm to a temperature that is safe to drive at is a minimum of 30 seconds. 30 seconds allows oil to be redistributed to working areas of your engine and begins to warm everything else up. This will help eliminate additional wear and tear from cold start-up and driving immediately. 

 Melloy Dodge understands the need for a vehicle that warms quickly, and most modern engines do! We also stock vehicles that have steering wheel warmers as well as seat warmers so while the engines warm, you can still be warm too! If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle that has a remote start, contact one of our professional sales associates or shop our online inventory today! Come on down to Melloy Dodge "Where we always say, Deal" ™.

 * It's important to note that vehicles should not be left running alone.*

How To Safely "Break In" Your New Vehicle

Have you ever heard the phrase “Break in your new car gently”? Our vehicle experts have some safe ways to “break your vehicle in” when it is purchased with no or low mileage. It’s tempting to want to see what new power you wield, but first, here are some ways that will help prolong the life of your engine. 

Take it Easy: In the first 1,000 miles, it’s important to consider all of the moving parts. It takes time for everything to become properly lubricated, and by not pushing your engine too hard, you are ensuring that every moving part in your engine and transmission doesn’t experience intense wear right off the bat. 

Manual Transmission: If you have recently purchased a new manual vehicle from Melloy Dodge, we will tell you that when you shift gears the first 1,000 miles, it's best to do so at a low RPM. Switching consistently at a low RPM also is good for your fuel economy. 

Cold Floor Accelerating: The first 1,000 miles are so important for your new engine, try to avoid flooring your engine, when you do this, it doesn’t give your engine oil, piston ring, and cylinders proper time to work as efficiently as they should. Don’t worry those first 1,000 miles will be over with soon enough. 

Short Trip? Maybe not: Avoid taking trips that don’t give your engine plenty of time to warm up. When you drive your new vehicle and it doesn’t have enough time to warm up, it doesn’t allow the engine oil the proper temperature to coat all the working parts!

Towing Something Heavy?: It may not be the best idea. Sure, you have the power now, but towing already puts added strain on your engine, and it could even more damaging to tow something heavy with your new truck! 

First Oil Change: Your first oil change should take place within the first 200 miles. This is because everything is just starting to becoming lubricated, and by changing the oil, you are minimizing the amount of metal that builds up, that’s the reason for dark oil! 

There you have it! When you purchase your new vehicle at Melloy Dodge, you will hear us talk about the reasons why the first 1,000 miles can determine the proper performance of your vehicle for the years to come. Keep the RPM’s low, accelerate slowly, no towing, bring your vehicle up to highway speed without flooring it, and make sure your engine is warm! These tips will help you begin proper vehicle maintenance. Contact Melloy Dodge to see about purchasing a new vehicle or shop our online inventory.