Wondering How Often Do You Really Need an Oil Change?

The basic oil change is relatively simple and inexpensive compared to other types of car service.  Though, regular oil changes significantly help extend your engine’s longevity, enhance its overall operating performance, and prevent excessive engine wear and tear. 

Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the five warning signs below:

1. Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color, but after a while, it darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine.  If the oil on the dip stick looks thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
2. Noisy Engine -- When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate parts as well.  Thus, you will start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
3. Oil Change Warning Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the instrument panel indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. Inspect your oil level and it it’s too low, you may get by with adding a quart or two of oil as needed.  However, if the oil looks dark, schedule an oil change service as soon as possible.  
4. Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see translucent vapor coming from the tailpipe in cold temperatures. If you notice smoke, however, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.  Ask your mechanic to run a diagnostics to pinpoint the issue.
5. Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas, it indicates that your vehicle is overheating and oil is scorching in the exhaust area.  An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle and even ignite a fire. 

If you are noticing any of the warning signs above, it is possibly past the mileage interval for an oil change.  Although oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, many auto shops offer oil change coupons to help customers keep up with the needed oil changes.

Wondering how often do you really need an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for information about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.