Engine oil protects your vehicle's engine from heat and keeps it lubricated to ensure smooth running. If it goes unchanged for longer than recommended, the engine parts can experience friction, resulting in the engine being heated up and failing. A failed engine makes the vehicle unusable, resulting in a significant loss.
But keeping an eye on signs of a vehicle needing an oil change can save you from this loss and improve your vehicle's performance. Let's take a look at five unmissable signs your vehicle needs an oil change:
Warning Light
Most vehicles have a check engine light on the display behind the steering wheel. When the oil needs changing, the light automatically lights up.
Mileage
If your vehicle doesn't have a check engine light, monitoring the mileage is the easiest way to know when it needs an oil change. All vehicles have a defined mileage. Reading the manual or visiting the vehicle's website can inform you of the exact number for your vehicle, after which it requires an oil change.
Sludgy Oil
As engine oil lubricates the various parts of the engine to facilitate their movement, it also removes the dirt, dust, and grime that may enter the engine. Therefore, engine oil becomes dirty or grimy over time. Perform a dipstick occasionally to monitor the oil color and texture. Engine oil that requires changing is darker and yogurt-like.
Low Level of Oil
Dirty and grimy becomes thicker, which reduces its volume. Engine oil also escapes from worn-out piston rings, resulting in a lower oil level than required. The Dipstick test works well for checking oil levels and identifying the need for an oil change.
Noisy Engine
An engine noisier or louder than usual is, more often than not, a sign for an oil change. The noise comes as the engine takes longer to start due to dirty oil or lowered oil levels.
Smoke from the vehicle's exhaust pipe, difficulty changing gears, and unnecessary vibrations indicate the need for an oil change.
Contact Dale's Service Center for Quality Oil Change and Other Auto Services
Dale's Service Center is the best-rated auto repair service in the Quad Cities Area. With over four decades of experience, Dale's Service Center has built its clientele on impeccable workmanship in auto repair and maintenance and customer service.
Dale's Service Center is offering a spring oil change special for its customers with free tire rotation, safety inspection, and tire pressure refill. Call 563-293-7081 or click here to make an appointment.