A modern automotive service center can usually change the oil in your vehicle quickly and painlessly. It is essential to maintain your car’s health by changing the oil regularly. Clean oil is vital to the performance and longevity of your vehicle. So why wait until you see a problem before changing the oil?
Many drivers base their decision on how often they need to change their oil. However, there are other factors that can affect the oil’s life expectancy, including the quality and age of the oil as well as the way the car is being driven. Clean oil improves the performance of your vehicle by lubricating all parts and keeping it healthy. The fluid will eventually start to lose its effectiveness and become less efficient over time. Your car will likely display at least one of these warning signs once this happens.
1. Check the oil change or engine light
Your car will be the first to know if your oil is low. When there isn’t enough oil in your system, the oil change light will flash . The check engine light will also illuminate in worse cases. This light is your car’s warning sign that something is wrong with the engine or lack thereof.
2. Engine noise and knocking
Oil acts as a shield between the engine’s parts. It prevents metal-to-metal brushing, keeps the engine quiet, and helps keep it clean. Engine noises will rise if your oil isn’t performing its job correctly. You may hear a lot of engine noises, such as knocking and rumbling. This is an indication that your engine is losing lubrication.
3. Dark and dirty oil
Clean oil is slightly translucent and amber-colored. It becomes darker as it is used and collects particles from the engine. This will not be obvious so be alert and make sure to check your engine oil every month. You can do this by removing the dipstick from the oil tank and wiping it clean. Next, take it out again. It is time to change your oil if you can’t see the dipstick through oil.
4. Oily smell in the car
Oily smells in cars can indicate an oil leak. You may also notice gas and exhaust fumes if the vehicle is heating up. You should schedule maintenance as soon as possible.
5. Exhaust smoke
Your car’s tailpipe will always emit a translucent vapor. If this becomes smoke it’s time to have an engine check-up. There may be a problem with your engine or an oil leak.
6. Excessive mileage
Consider whether your oil needs to be changed sooner than usual if you have traveled a lot in the past month. Each car is different but oil should be changed at least every three months or 3,000 miles. Oil should be changed every six months or 6,000 miles for new vehicles. For more information, consult your owner’s manual. Older vehicles may benefit from a high-mileage oil
You Need to Change Your Oil Quickly
It is easy and cheap to change your oil. This is one of the best things you can do for your car to prevent premature aging. The right oil quality and level will reduce wear on your engine and help you avoid costly repairs.
