How Do You Know Your Car Needs an Oil Change Service?

Oil is essential for the proper functioning of your car. It forms a protective layer, lubricates the moving parts inside your car’s engine, and reduces friction between the parts, allowing for a smoother ride and increasing the engine’s life. However, when your car is low on engine oil or when the oil gets old and dirty, your car won’t run as smoothly as it used to. In this blog from Carville’s Auto Mart in Grand Junction, CO, we’ll discuss some of the warning signs that tell you your car needs an oil change service.  

Oil Change Light   

The oil change light is one of the first signs to look out for when you suspect your car’s not running as smoothly as it used to. The oil change light will illuminate and alert you when your car senses the oil levels are low. 

Also Read: How Do I Change My Vehicle’s Oil On My Own?

Engine Noise    

Oil lubricates the various moving parts inside the car’s engine and reduces metal-to-metal friction, thus keeping the engine noise at a minimum. But when the oil level gets low, or the oil turns dirty over time, you’ll notice that your car’s engine noise becomes more pronounced and doesn’t sound as smooth as it used to.   

Dirty Oil 

You can perform a visual inspection to check if your car’s oil levels have depleted or if the oil looks too dark or dirty. To do this, all you need to do is take out the dipstick, wipe it off, and then dip it back and check the oil’s level, consistency, and color. If you find the oil level is lower than the recommended level or if the color is too dark, you know it’s time for an oil change.  

Oil Smell Inside Car 

When your car runs low on oil or dirty oil, it tends to get heated up quickly and produces a burning smell inside the car. The smell of oil inside your car could also indicate an oil leakage, and oil leaks deplete oil. Either way, get it inspected. 

Exhaust Smoke  

If you notice your car’s tailpipe emissions have increased or if you notice white or gray smoke from the exhaust, it could be due to oil. 

When Should You Get an Oil Change Service?  

Generally, it is recommended that you change your car’s oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or every three to six months, with older cars needing oil changes earlier than newer ones. However, if you’ve been driving a lot lately or notice any of the above signs, it’s a good idea to go to a service center and change your oil.  

How often should you be checking your oil?

Where Can I Find Oil Change Services in Grand Junction, CO?    

Looking for an oil change service in the Western Slope area? Visit our state-of-the-art service center at Carville’s Auto Mart in Grand Junction, CO. You can also click here to schedule a service online.