How Often Do You Have To Get Your Oil Changed?
Even though oil changes are simple and inexpensive, they significantly help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall operating performance. By staying on top of routine oil changes, you can prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by keeping the engine parts lubricated, protecting against metal-on-metal contact.
So why does it seem that many drivers neglect oil changes? Unfortunately, they rely on mileage rather than warning signs to let them know when it’s time to schedule an oil change service. As a result, their vehicle ends up suffering from an overdue oil change. Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the five warning signs below:
- Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color, but after a while, it darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine. You should be able to see the dip stick through the oil. If it’s thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
- Noisy Engine -- When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate the parts as well so you will start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
- Oil Change Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the dashboard indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. Check your oil level. it’s too low, you may get by with adding a quart or two of oil as needed. However, if the oil is dark, schedule an oil change service as soon as possible.
- Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see translucent vapor coming from the tailpipe in cold temperatures. However, if you notice smoke, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine. Ask your mechanic to run a diagnostics to pinpoint the problem.
- Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, it indicates that your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area. An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your car and even ignite a fire.
So, how often do you have to get your oil changed? As soon as you notice any of the warning signs above, or at the service interval recommended by your owner’s manual or your mechanic, whichever one comes first. Oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, but many auto shops provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes when needed.
Need to find some oil change coupons? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about how often do you have to get your oil changed and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
Even though oil changes are simple and inexpensive, they significantly help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall operating performance. By staying on top of routine oil changes, you can prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by keeping the engine parts lubricated, protecting against metal-on-metal contact.
So why does it seem that many drivers neglect oil changes? Unfortunately, they rely on mileage rather than warning signs to let them know when it’s time to schedule an oil change service. As a result, their vehicle ends up suffering from an overdue oil change. Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the five warning signs below:
- Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color, but after a while, it darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine. You should be able to see the dip stick through the oil. If it’s thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
- Noisy Engine -- When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate the parts as well so you will start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
- Oil Change Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the dashboard indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. Check your oil level. it’s too low, you may get by with adding a quart or two of oil as needed. However, if the oil is dark, schedule an oil change service as soon as possible.
- Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see translucent vapor coming from the tailpipe in cold temperatures. However, if you notice smoke, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine. Ask your mechanic to run a diagnostics to pinpoint the problem.
- Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, it indicates that your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area. An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your car and even ignite a fire.
So, how often do you have to get your oil changed? As soon as you notice any of the warning signs above, or at the service interval recommended by your owner’s manual or your mechanic, whichever one comes first. Oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, but many auto shops provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes when needed.
Need to find some oil change coupons? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about how often do you have to get your oil changed and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
