5 Signs it’s Time to Get an Oil Change

Posted October 31, 2022

Oil changes are the most popular service for your vehicle. The frequency of oil changes is based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Understanding how often you should change your oil can help you prevent costly repairs in the future. Here are five signs it’s time to change your oil.

1. Low Levels

One obvious sign is low oil levels. You can tell if your vehicle needs more oil by checking the dipstick. The oil should be between the ‘add’ and ‘full’ lines on the stick. If it’s below the minimum line, add more oil and change when you can. Another sign is a burning smell coming from your tailpipe or engine compartment.

2. Noisy Engine

A second sign is your engine making noise. The reason you’ll hear sounds from your engine is that the oil is no longer lubricating the moving parts inside. When this happens, they start to grind against each other. This will cause a grinding sound that gets louder as you drive and can eventually lead to costly engine repairs.

3. Vibrating Vehicle

Have you noticed your vehicle is either vibrating or even seems like it’s shaking? This can be especially dangerous if you’re driving in rainy conditions as well as when you’re coming to a stop. The shaking vehicle can occur because the pistons and crankshaft are no longer lubricated properly and start to grind away at each other. This will cause a lot of friction, which in turn causes your vehicle to shake.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

A fourth reason oil changes are needed occurs when you’re getting poor fuel economy. You’ll have reduced efficiency because the engine is spending more time trying to lubricate itself than it does working. Without regular oil changes, engines will quickly wear out and you’ll have to replace them sooner. This can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

5. Too Many Dashboard Lights

Finally, if your check engine light comes on, your vehicle is telling you that something is wrong with your engine. This means you could have major engine issues if you don’t get an oil change as soon as possible.

Check your recommended interval with your manufacturer to determine the frequency of oil changes. As you can see, it’s important to have this service completed routinely. In fact, most people don’t realize that this particular industry generates more than 10 billion dollars every year, according to Statista. Keeping your car running great with regular oil changes will make a big difference in the longevity of your vehicle. If you’re in need of an oil change, don’t wait. Call us at Chase Automotive Repair today.

Categories: Auto Safety, Car Fun

Tags: