Regular oil changes are crucial to your automobile engine's well-being. Generally, clean oil improves engine performance and enhances its life. However, signs of a vehicle needing an oil change are not always obvious. So, you may only realize that you need to get an automobile oil change when the damage is done. Keep in mind that delayed oil changes can put your engine at risk, so you must pay attention to your car's behavior and performance. Therefore, look out for these warning signs.
Unusual Engine Noises
Engine oil lubricates your engine's moving parts to prevent metal-to-metal brushing and allow for smooth, efficient, and quiet running. Therefore, if you hear knocking, grinding, or rumbling noises, it's often because the oil has run out of its lubricating properties. Usually, the noises will increase the longer you wait to change the oil. Ultimately, your engine may suffer significant damage, so be prompt with the oil change as soon as you hear these noises.
Smells Inside Your Car
Do you smell oil inside your car? In such a case, there could be a leak somewhere, so make an appointment with your auto mechanic as soon as possible. Moreover, if it smells like something's burning, your engine could be overheating. Remember, engine oil also acts as a coolant besides lubricating your engine's moving parts. Therefore, low oil levels or dirty oil will struggle to regulate your engine's temperature and keep it cool, causing overheating.
Dirty Oil
Regular visual inspections of your engine oil can help you gauge its consistency and color, which are crucial indicators of its state. For instance, by assessing the oil's color, you can know if it's time to change it. Generally, clean engine oil has a somewhat translucent amber color. Therefore, using the dipstick, check for the color of your engine oil. You can refer to your owner's manual if you are unsure how to do it. On the other hand, if the oil is dark, which you can confirm by wiping the dipstick on a paper towel, it's a clear sign that you need to replace it.
Low Oil Level
As you check for the color and consistency of your engine oil, pay attention to the oil level. Usually, the dipstick has indicators that can help you know when you are running low on engine oil. Therefore, change the oil if you are on the low side.
Oil changes are typically easy and affordable. Therefore, you don't have to wait until the last minute to do it. But, change it as soon as you notice the above signs to get the most out of your automobile engine.
Reach out to an oil change service to find out more.
Share18 January 2023
When is the last time you had your brakes checked? Are you waiting until you hear the brake pads grinding into the rotors before you do anything to replace them? Does your car pull to one side when you press on the brakes? Do you feel a shimmying in your steering wheel and brake pedal as you press the pedal to stop? If you have any of these issues, it is time for you to learn how to care for the brakes on your car effectively. Taking preventative measures and getting repair work done before serious problems arise will save you money over the years.
