Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Like all machines, cars also require periodic maintenance in order to function smoothly. And while a vehicle's upkeep entails many measures, one of the most important of them all is changing the engine oil.

A car's engines needs lubrication to run without screeching that the engine oil provides. But when an automobile's oil becomes stale, it needs to be changed or else it will not lubricate effectively. Because of that reason, drivers often stick to an oil change schedule to stay on track and not overwork the engine on old, worn out liquid. Yet there are times when a driver has to change the engine oil sooner than the next scheduled oil-change date.

When a vehicle ages, increases mileage or runs in extreme weathers for prolonged periods, it can develop the need for an oil change sooner than expected. So, how do you find out if that’s the case with your pride and joy? It’s simple, you keep an eye out for the following signs your car will present when the time comes.

Increased Engine NoiseA little noise from the engine is normal but when it gets unusually loud, that’s most likely an indication that you need to change the engine oil.

Motor oil is necessary to keep the engine slick so that the parts work without screeching. When the oil level drops significantly, a car’s engine begins to make ticking sounds. Be sure to keep your ears peeled for increased engine noise.

Excessive ExhaustThe latest automobile models are designed so they do not release much fumes, so most modern-day cars do not emit a lot of visible exhaust. However, if there is a problem with the engine oil then a vehicle may begin to let out excessive smoke. Whenever your four-wheeler starts doing that, take it for an oil change.

More Running Than UsualTypically, when a car runs significantly higher miles than usual, it should have an oil change. More mileage means a vehicle must have used up most of the lubrication. Therefore, changing engine oil after a long road trip is advisable.

Persistent Check Engine LightThe light on an automobile’s dash can mean any number of things, one of which could be an issue with the engine oil. If your check engine light comes on and stays that way for long, get your car checked to rule out the need for an oil change.

Irregular Oil TextureOil texture is not something drivers routinely check, so the chances are you don’t either. But checking oil texture is essential because it tells the driver whether there’s a need or an oil change. If a car’s engine oil loses its velvety smooth texture and has grits that indicates staleness. This means, your vehicle has been running on the same oil for a while and as a result has caught grains. Running a car on stale oil is dangerous and can lead to a breakdown.

So, the next time you top off your vehicle’s engine oil, check the texture as well.

If you take all the precautionary measure and pay close attention to your car’s behavior, you will most likely stay out of the woods. However, if even after going through all the trouble, your car still dies on you in the middle of the road, be sure to call for help instead of trying something tricky. Reach out to a reliable towing company to bring your vehicle to safety and then consult an expert.