When you own a vehicle, it will require regular maintenance to ensure you can keep driving it down the road for an extended period. No matter how many trips you take, you don’t have anything to worry about because you know your car is in mint condition.
Part of managing it is checking to see if it’s time to get an oil change. A mechanic should be the one to perform it because they have the knowledge, skills, and tools for it, so lubricating your car on your own isn’t recommended. Failing to bring it to the shop and taking care of it on your own can make or break your car’s well-being over time.
Replacing your vehicle’s oil leads to good performance, further prolonging its lifespan and giving you more time to benefit from it. At the first sign of trouble, you should bring your car to the shop right away. Keep reading below to find out how to tell if your vehicle is due for an oil change.
Its Oil Change Light Is On
The best way to check if your car’s oil needs a replacement is if it indicates it. When you notice its oil change light turned on, it will prove that your vehicle doesn’t have enough oil to run properly anymore.
When the oil change light illuminates, you should grab your car’s dipstick to check the current situation. But even before the oil change light releases a signal, you shouldn’t wait until your vehicle reaches that point, or it could lead to worse problems, such as the need to get an engine repair.
Its Engine Is Making Noise
Your car’s oil works as an added layer of protection for the various parts of its engine. When a vehicle is well-lubricated, it lessens the chances of the metals rubbing against each other and becoming damaged over time.
But when your car lacks oil, chances are you will start to notice its engine making more noises than it’s supposed to, which could be distracting for you. When you fail to get the needed oil change, it could lead to worse situations, such as hearing rumbling noises from the engine, a sign that the damage is becoming severe.
Its Oil Is Unusually Dark
You know the oil in your car is clean when its color is a slightly translucent amber. But throughout its usage, it will slowly be filled with particles coming from the engine, eventually making the oil appear darker.
To make sure you don’t miss out on getting an oil change when it’s time, you should monitor your vehicle’s engine oil every month. All you need to do is take out the dipstick, wipe it off, and put it back. Do the process again, but this time, before you put it back, you should notice if you can’t see the dipstick through the oil, indicating your car needs to visit an auto repair shop.
Its Oil Is Something You Can Smell
On a regular day, every time you drive your car, you shouldn’t be smelling anything funny while you’re inside it, much less catch a whiff of the oil coming from its engine. When you do, it could mean that an oil leak has occurred.
Besides that, if you observe a gassy smell or an odor coming from your vehicle’s exhaust fumes, it could mean that your car is overheating. Whatever the cause behind it, the best thing to do is visit a car repair shop right away.
Conclusion
Getting an oil change for your vehicle is a must, especially when it’s long overdue. When you notice your car’s oil change light is on, its engine is making noises, its oil is unusually dark, or you can smell its oil from inside, they are huge indications you require an oil change.
Are you looking to bring your car to an auto repair in Hoover, AL? Hoover Automotive offers car service and repairs, including brake service, oil change, new tires, auto, engine repair, and more. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!