Signs Your Car Needs An Oil Change
Time can seem to fly by, making it easy to forget when your car needs its next oil change. However, there are a few ways your vehicle can let you know that it’s in need of service. In this handy guide from the Harr Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) team, we’ll show you some of the most common signs your car needs an oil change so you can remain aware.
Take a look through to learn a bit more about your vehicle, then visit our service center for any needed repairs. We’ll have your vehicle ready to drive around Worchester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA, in no time!
Are Oil Changes Important?
Changing the engine oil every 7,500 miles will help prolong your vehicle’s lifespan as you give the engine everything it needs to achieve top performance with ease. The oil keeps all moving parts lubricated and prevents overheating so you can confidently cruise knowing that your vehicle is ready for every ride.
Foregoing regular oil changes can cause some serious side effects on your vehicle and can even result in engine damage. At first, you may notice your vehicle struggles to accelerate more than usual. It may also seem to burn through fuel faster than it used to, meaning you’ll need to visit the gas station more often.
However, you’ll eventually start to notice some strange sounds and smells that indicate a more critical issue. That’s when it’s most important to get to a service center as soon as possible!
Sights, Sounds, and Smells
Trust your senses when trying to determine if your vehicle needs an oil change. There are a variety of signs you can keep your eyes, ears, and nose out for to alert you to any problems.
Look for any dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine light or oil low light, as these are solid indicators that your vehicle’s engine needs new oil. You can also pop the hood and take a look at the engine oil. You can check the oil level and condition by simply inserting a dip stick into the engine oil reservoir. If the oil looks thick, dark, and gritty, then it’s time for a change.
Listen for any strange engine sounds while driving. The engine oil keeps all moving parts lubricated, but when it gets too thick, it will no longer be able to protect those parts. You might hear a grinding or knocking sound as these parts rub against each other.
If you smell smoke, it’s best to get to a service center as soon as possible. It may indicate an oil leak inside the engine. Oil will coat the exterior of the engine and start to burn when the engine heats up while you drive.
Schedule Service Today!
Having an oil leak is no problem when you have the Harr CDJR service team in your corner. We can easily answer all your questions and provide excellent repairs to get you back on those Worchester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, roads in a snap.
To learn more about why your car is leaking oil, contact our service center team today!
