It’s that time of year again when the leaves start to change color and the temperature starts to drop. It’s also time for your car to get an oil change! Many people put it off because they don’t know how to tell if their car needs one or not. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that your car needs an oil change and how you can take care of it.
Standard Oil Change Timeline
The standard timeline for oil changes is every 5,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on the type of car you have and the type of oil that it uses. The best way to know for sure is to consult your car’s owner’s manual.
Types of Oil
There are three main types of oil that your car may need: conventional, synthetic, and high mileage.
Conventional oil is the most common and is suitable for most cars.
Synthetic oil is a newer type of oil that is designed to last longer and protect your engine better.
High mileage oil is for cars with over 75,000 miles on them and helps to reduce leaks and oil consumption.
Common Damages
There are many damages that can occur to your car if you don’t get an oil change on time. The most common damage is engine sludge. This build-up can cause your engine to overheat or seize up completely. Another common damage is worn-out engine parts. Without fresh oil, the engine parts will start to rub together and wear down, causing them to eventually break.
So how do you know if your car needs an oil change?
Look for these common signs:
- The check engine light is on: This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your car. If the check engine light is on, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem.
- The oil level is low: Check the oil level by opening the hood and locating the dipstick. The dipstick will have two marks that indicate the safe oil level. If the oil is below these marks, it needs to be refilled.
- The oil looks dirty: Fresh oil is a light amber color. If it is dark brown or black, it needs to be changed.
- The oil smells burnt: Oil should not smell burnt. If it does, it means that it has been overworked and needs to be changed.
- The car is making strange noises: If your car is making knocking or ticking noises, it could be a sign that the engine parts are not being lubricated properly.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bring your car in for an oil change. Master Muffler Downtown Ogden offers fast and affordable oil changes. We can also help with any other auto maintenance needs that you may have. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
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