5 Warning Signs of Needing an Oil Change!
When Is it Time For an Oil Change?
Even though oil changes are a simple service, when performed regularly, they can help to extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance. So why do 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 longer than they should.
Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy. But with time, the fluid breaks down and has difficulty performing its job. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of these five oil change warning signs:
- 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. If you can see the stick through the oil, it is fine. However, if it’s thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
- Loud Engine Noise and Knocking -- Clean oil provides a thin barrier between engine parts and protects against metal-on-metal contact. When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate the parts as well so you will start to hear louder engine noise, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
- Oil Change or Check Engine Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the dashboard indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. If you see this light, check your oil level and if it’s insufficient, change your oil as soon as possible. Your vehicle is at high risk of engine damage due to the lack of oil.
- Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see a translucent vapor coming out your tailpipe in cold temperatures. But 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 Inside the Car -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. However, 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.
You also want to keep an eye on your odometer as it will alert you as to when or why you start to notice the warning signs above. By staying on top of routine oil changes, you can keep your car healthy and extend its life, preventing excessive wear and tear and damage. Oil changes can be fairly inexpensive. However, many auto shops will provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes as needed.
Would you like more information about the signs of needing an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today to schedule an appointment and ask about our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
When Is it Time For an Oil Change?
Even though oil changes are a simple service, when performed regularly, they can help to extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance. So why do 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 longer than they should.
Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy. But with time, the fluid breaks down and has difficulty performing its job. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of these five oil change warning signs:
- 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. If you can see the stick through the oil, it is fine. However, if it’s thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
- Loud Engine Noise and Knocking -- Clean oil provides a thin barrier between engine parts and protects against metal-on-metal contact. When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate the parts as well so you will start to hear louder engine noise, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
- Oil Change or Check Engine Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the dashboard indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. If you see this light, check your oil level and if it’s insufficient, change your oil as soon as possible. Your vehicle is at high risk of engine damage due to the lack of oil.
- Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see a translucent vapor coming out your tailpipe in cold temperatures. But 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 Inside the Car -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. However, 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.
You also want to keep an eye on your odometer as it will alert you as to when or why you start to notice the warning signs above. By staying on top of routine oil changes, you can keep your car healthy and extend its life, preventing excessive wear and tear and damage. Oil changes can be fairly inexpensive. However, many auto shops will provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes as needed.
Would you like more information about the signs of needing an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today to schedule an appointment and ask about our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
