An oil change is a relatively mundane but necessary element of car maintenance. Despite this, many people go far longer than is recommended before they even think to have it done. Provided below are several symptoms of an issue that could be alleviated with an oil change.
This is the most blatant well of knowing when it's time for a change. This light activates when it senses an insufficient amount of oil within the system so make sure to check your dipstick for a better gauge. If things get really bad, the check engine light will also activate and warn you that your engine might be in trouble due to some problems or insufficient lubrication.
Oil protects your engine's parts, preventing metal from moving against metal and ensuring that the engine is nice and quiet. If the oil in your vehicle is lacking, the noise will increase from around its engine. If things get really bad, do not be surprised to hear knocking around or rumbling; both of these are signs that the engine is wearing itself out from being without lubrication.
Clean oil has an amber coloration and is slightly translucent. As the oil does its job, it becomes saturated with particles that come from the engine and darkens in coloration. While this is not an obvious thing to track, the best safeguard against funky motor oil is to give it a monthly assessment.
Simply pick one day out of each month, take out the dipstick and wipe it clean before putting it back into the oil tank. Then give it a second look; if the dipstick is obscured by your oil, then your oil has darkened to the point that it needs a good change.
If your nose picks up the distinct odor of motor oil, you may very well have an oil leak on your hands. If the smell is mixed with gasoline or exhaust fumes, you may be suffering an overheating. Regardless of which situation you are dealing with, you should have a mechanic look at things as soon as you possibly can!
While some vapor is common from the tailpipe, a transition to smoke means that your engine definitely needs a check-up. Chances are you might have some faulty parts in your engine or your oil is leaking.
If you have driven a fair amount of distance in the past month or so, think about whether you should get an oil change ahead of your normal schedule. While every vehicle is different, the general consensus is that its oil should be checked every 3,000 miles or three months-whichever comes first. If you happen to be driving around in a new vehicle, this advice is slightly different; the oil change needs to happen every 6,000 miles or six months-whichever comes first. If your vehicle is particularly old, especially if it has passed the point where you may need to get the emissions checked, it may be a good idea to change over to a high-mileage variety of motor oil.
Hopefully, you should have a better idea of when it is time to get your oil changed. While regular checkups are always ideal, you should always investigate the odd new quirks of your vehicle if they happen within a few days or weeks after any major maintenance. The good news is that you can trust even the most basic of mechanics to handle changing out your oil if you would rather not get dirty or you worry that you will somehow make things worse by doing it yourself.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.