Warning Signs That Your Car Oil Needs to Be Changed

While changing your car’s oil is important, it is not necessarily a quick and painless process. Many people delay changing their oil until there is a visible problem, which can lead to decreased performance and a shorter lifespan for your car’s engine.

Many drivers think that they only need to change their oil when the mileage on their car reaches a certain number. However, there are other factors that can affect how often your oil needs to be changed. These factors include the oil’s quality, the car’s age, and how the vehicle is driven. 

Fresh, clean oil helps keep your car’s engine clean and healthy. However, over time, the oil breaks down and has difficulty performing its duties. Once this happens, your vehicle may start to exhibit one or more of the following warning signs.

Engine Noise 

Oil is vital for keeping your engine running smoothly and quietly. If there isn’t enough oil or the oil isn’t working correctly, the engine will make more noise. You may even sometimes hear rumbling sounds, which means the machine is slowly falling apart because it doesn’t have enough lubrication.

Excessive Mileage

If you have driven a lot in the past month, you might need to change your oil sooner than you would normally. Most cars need their oil changed every 3 thousand miles or three months, but this varies depending on the car. Newer vehicles usually only need their oil changed every 6 thousand miles or six months. You should check your car’s owner’s manual to be sure. You might need to use high-mileage oil if you have an older car.

Exhaust Smoke

If you see smoke coming from your car’s tailpipe, it is the perfect time to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. There may be something wrong with the engine, or there may be an oil leak.

Oil Change Light

If you notice either of these lights come on in your car, it’s time to check the oil level. The best way to do this is to use a dipstick. If the oil level is low, then you will need to add more oil. The check engine light will sometimes come on if the oil level is low. This means the engine is at risk of damage and needs to be lubricated.

Oil Smell 

If you notice an oil smell coming from your car, it could mean that there is an oil leak. The vehicle might be overheating if you also smell gas or exhaust fumes. Either way, you should schedule maintenance for your car as soon as possible.

Conclusion 

As anyone who owns a car knows, oil changes are vital to maintaining your vehicle. Not only does changing oil keep your engine running smoothly, but it also helps prevent wear and tear.

Oil helps to lubricate your engine, which in turn helps to prevent wear and tear. Not changing your oil can lead to severe problems, such as your engine seizing up. This can be expensive to fix and may even require a new machine. Be sure to change your oil regularly to avoid any problems.

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