One of the most important parts of car maintenance is making sure that you always have enough oil needed to keep your vehicle running. What does that oil do? For starters, it keeps the internal parts of your car’s engine lubricated and cool. It also keeps parts from grinding against each other, which could cause damage over time. It plays a vital role in the long-term lifespan of your vehicle, so regular oil monitoring is important.
How do you know when to change the oil in my car? As a vehicle owner, you may find yourself asking this question once or twice a year. Fortunately, there are a few clues that indicate you’re due for an oil change. Learn more below!
4 Ways to Know If Your Car Needs New Oil
- It’s been 3,000 miles since your last oil change. A good rule of thumb, though not always needed for brand new cars, is to change your oil every 3,000 miles. The last place you had your oil changed will often leave you with some sort of indication of when you will need to change your oil next, but you should also get into the habit of keeping up with it on your own. Speak with your mechanic about how long is recommended for your vehicle to go between oil changes, and set a reminder in your phone to check your mileage in a few months to see how close you’re getting.
- Your engine is noisy or jumpy. Because oil lubricates your engine and helps things underneath the hood run smoothly, when the oil is low or dirty parts of your engine may start grinding against each other, causing noises you may not usually hear. It may seem a little bit shaky at start, too.
- Your oil has turned black. If you pop open the hood and take a look at your oil, it may appear black and/or gritty when it’s overdue for a change. When oil is first placed in your engine, it is a honey brown color, but as it works to filter any unwanted particles out of your engine, it becomes darker with a gritty texture.
- Your “Check Engine” Light (or “Check Oil” light) comes on. When the “Check Engine” light comes on in your car, it can be a good indicator that you’re past due for an oil change. Some newer cars may come equipped with an oil-specific light that will come on when it’s time for a change. If you see either of these lights, give your oil a quick check. If it looks dark and/or low in level, that may be what’s prompting the warning message.
Why is it Important to Change the Oil in My Car?
According to Mobil, “motor oil probably handles more tasks within an engine than any other component, fluid or material.” Oil helps keep your engine protected and running smooth by lubricating the moving parts. Additionally, oil filters out any unwanted debris that may get into your engine, and also helps cool critical parts of your engine by transferring the heat away from it.
Changing your oil is important for many reasons, and doing so regularly can help keep your car running smoother, for longer. At Thompson Buick-GMC-Cadillac, we encourage our customers to keep track of their oil changes, and ensure they take good care of their engines. Is your car overdue for an oil change, or any other type of regular service? Stop by Thompson Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Raleigh and let our skilled mechanics handle everything. You can make an appointment online, or give us a call today at (855) 825-4662! We service all makes and models.
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