Changing your car’s oil regularly is one of the simplest ways of keeping your vehicle in good condition. This process increases your car’s longevity and helps things to keep running smoothly. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, you run the risk of ruining your engine. Here are some signs that you are overdue for an oil change.
How Do You Know If You Need an Oil Change?
For those who are unfamiliar with vehicles, it can be a little difficult to know when you need to change your oil. Luckily, however, if you know what to look for, the signs are easy to spot.
Check Oil & Check Engine Lights
In many cases, your car will tell you when maintenance is required. When your car is getting low on oil, the check oil light will light up. This will let you know you’re running low on oil and are overdue for a change.
If the check engine light comes on, that means you might be well overdue for some maintenance. While this light may not always light up due to a lack of oil, there’s a good chance it is the reason it comes on. This light indicates that the lack of lubrication is causing damage to the engine.
If either of these light up, be sure to schedule an appointment to either have your oil changed, or have a mechanic look at your engine.
High Mileage
Nothing consumes more oil than the act of driving. So the more miles you put on your vehicle, the quicker you’ll need to have your oil changed.
If you’ve already had your oil changed in the past, the mechanic may have left an oil change sticker on your windshield. This sticker will tell you when your vehicle will need another oil change, either by date or by mileage.
If you don’t have one of these stickers, no problem! Older vehicles typically need their oil replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months, while newer vehicles need it every 6,000 miles or 6 months. But, this also depends on the type of oil you use. Full-synthetic oil will last longer than conventional oil.
Checking Oil Levels
You can also check how much oil your car has on your own. It’s a very easy process. Simply pop the hood and find where your oil filler cap is. Once you open it up you can wipe off the dipstick located under the hood, and insert it into the oil reservoir. When you pull it back out, it should tell you what level your oil is at. If it’s below where it should be, contact a mechanic to get your oil replaced.
It’s also a good idea to note the color of the oil. If your oil is dirty or discolored, it’s a sign you’re overdue for an oil change.
Schedule A Service Appointment
If your car needs maintenance, whether it’s something small like an oil change, or big like having more significant repairs done, Tillema Auto has you covered. Schedule your service appointment today to have your vehicle serviced by professionals who get the job done. At Tillema Auto, we treat our customers like family.
