Curious about how often you need to get your oil changed? How many miles you can go between getting your oil change depends on the type and the age of your vehicle. We’re going to go over why regular oil changes are so important for your car.
If there are weird sounds coming from your engine, ope. No one wants to hear trouble in one of the most important (and most expensive) parts of your car. If you hear a knocking sound from where your motor is, it could be as simple as an overdue oil change. If the oil is old or too thin, it will not work properly. This could be why you may hear a knocking sound when the car is in motion. But the good news is that this should stop after an oil change. If you hear a ticking sound coming from your engine during ignition, it may indicate you need to get your oil changed. When you start your car, the oil circulates throughout the engine. But, with dirty oil, it takes extra time for the engine to start; this can trigger ticking sounds.
Oil’s job is to lubricate the engine and all the parts for a smooth ride and will extend the life of your engine. However, old and dirty oil doesn’t do that as well as clean and fresh oil. Parts can rub together when they shouldn’t and this can lead to strange sounds like knocking, ticking, or grinding.
When you check your oil, it's important that you pay attention to the texture and color. It should be translucent or yellowish if it’s healthy. As oil moves through the engine, it will darken in color. But darker oil doesn’t mean you necessarily need an oil change. It’s also important to pay attention to consistency. Gritty, thick, or grainy oil won’t lubricate the engine the way that it should, and this can cause serious engine damage. If the consistency of the oil reminds you of yogurt or slime, it’s time for an oil change.
If your oil level is low, you will risk damaging the engine. At that point, you either need a new engine or a different car. The best way to check the level is to use the dipstick in your oil tank. Once you’ve pulled it out, wipe it clean, insert it again, and check out where the oil is on the stick. It goes without saying that it should be between the minimum and maximum lines on the dipstick. Checking your oil level regularly is an excellent way to detect leaks and maybe stop a bigger problem in the long run. Bring your vehicle to us here at Schmit Bros for service when the oil is low, otherwise you may permanently damage the engine. This is an expensive repair and often it makes more sense to buy a different vehicle. Checking your oil regularly as well as getting routine oil changes can stop something like this from happening.
A lot of newer models of cars have a built-in warning to let you know when it’s time for your next oil change, as well as warning lights. For example, you may notice the check engine light is on and a lot of times, an overdue oil change could be the issue.
Modern cars don’t have smoke coming from the exhaust pipe like they did in more classic cars. When the oil is too thin or dirty, you may leave more smoke behind you than normal. If you do see smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it could mean that you need an oil change.
If you notice unusual vibrations or movements in your vehicle, it is best to get that checked out. If your car vibrates while idling, a simple fix may be getting an oil change. It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to mention the vibrations to your mechanic to rule out any other possible problems like tire issues, an alignment problem, broken parts, and a laundry list of other things.
If you notice a burning smell, this is a warning sign that something is not right. Your engine can overheat, which can become a serious problem. If you don’t have enough oil or if it’s dirty, it won’t keep your engine cool. A burning smell inside your car could also be an oil leak. Either way, you need to schedule a service appointment right away before there’s any permanent damage to your engine.
If you’ve put more miles on your car because of traveling, you’ll probably need to schedule an oil change much sooner than you normally would. You may want to get an oil change before you go on a road trip, just to make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible. The last thing you’d want is to get stranded in another state because of an easily preventable problem. As a rule of thumb, the more you drive, the more often you need to get your oil changed.
Whether you drive an automatic or a manual, the gears shift inside the engine for you to accelerate and decelerate. If you notice anything different with the changing gears, it could mean that your oil needs to be changed.
You may be tempted to skip your oil change, but regular maintenance is so important when it comes to your car’s health. It will improve your vehicle’s gas mileage, decrease harmful emissions, extend the life of your engine, and lead to better motor performance. You also want to keep up maintenance to protect your vehicle’s warranty.
If you’re unsure whether you need an oil change, you can always call us to see when your last one was here at Schmit Bros. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles, but if you drive a newer vehicle, you may be able to wait 6,000 miles or six months; whichever comes first. Getting the oil changed regularly is a great way to prevent pricey car repairs and breakdowns in the future. Call our service center at (262) 284-8844 and we’ll get you in for all your car’s needs!