How to Know Your Oil Needs Changing? Tips From Olympic Motors Huron, SD
As a routine form of maintenance, many drivers often search for “How to know if you need an oil change” and go down a rabbit hole of warning signs that get them nowhere. Traditional oil changes help keep your engine healthy, but with certified service from our stellar team, we’ll tell you some classic signs that say you need an oil change!
Check Your Dipstick
We decided to start this blog off with a classic. Opening up your hood and looking at your dipstick is a simple method that strives to stand the test of time.
While different makes and models have differing engines, we recommend checking your owner’s manual to know where your dipstick is. When you check it, ensure you remove it, wipe it off, reinsert it, and pull it out again to get an accurate measure.
What should you look for? The dipstick will let you check your oil’s level and color, but let’s discuss your level first. The dipstick should have indicators that showcase low and high levels; your oil should be in the middle.
Now, let’s talk about the color. Many drivers search for “How to know you need an oil change” and read about different colors, which leads to misconceptions about what an oil change should and shouldn’t look like. Your oil should look amber and translucent. If you notice it is dark and chunky, schedule a time with our certified service experts!
Oil Life Warning
Modern vehicles often offer systems to monitor your engine and multiple parts under your hood, including your oil life indicator.
This system has sensors to monitor oil quality based on mileage and driving habits, which show up as a percentage. So, when you search for “How to know when to get an oil change,” check to see if your car has this feature, as it can help you know when to schedule an appointment!
Engine Light Turns On
The last thing a driver wants is their check engine light turning on whether they’re driving or just starting their car. Your engine light can mean many things, but your oil could be one of them!
Low or dirty oil can set your check engine light off, indicating that motor parts are grinding, lubricated less effectively, overheating, or worse.
If you notice your check engine turn on, inspect your oil’s level and condition, and schedule an appointment.
Oil Looks Dirty and Sludgy
Without dashboard warnings or life indicators, a visual representation is sometimes all a driver needs. When you check your oil with your dipstick and notice it is black and sludgy, call the Olympic Chevrolet Buick GMC experts to get a fresh batch.
Why is dark and sludgy oil concerning? Old oil will clog your engine as it loses its ability to lubricate and flow throughout it, leading to hindered performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and overheating.
Engine Overheating
One of the significant consequences of waiting too long for an oil change is overheating your engine. When you have old oil that clogs up your motor and can’t lubricate moving parts, those components will crash and grind, creating friction and heat. Moreover, sludgy oil can’t displace heat, causing it to stick to your engine and overheat.
When your engine overheats, it causes internal damage throughout the engine, which can result in a hefty repair bill or a full-on motor replacement!
Increased Fuel Consumption
Have you noticed your car uses more fuel than usual? Or do you have to stop at the pump more frequently? Another sign your engine needs an oil change is if you have to use more fuel to get around.
How does using more fuel mean you need an oil change? When you have dirty and old oil, your engine has to work harder to move it around. If it’s starting to get sludgy, it has to use more gas to move it, thus causing a costly trip to the pump.
Get Your Oil Changed By Experts!
When monitoring your oil’s level and condition, you’ll keep your engine running healthy, prevent costly repairs, and prolong its life for years. So, if you’re searching the web for “How to know you need an oil change, visit our certified experts at Olympic Chevrolet Buick GMC today in Huron, SD!
