Is your car engine running rougher than usual? Does your car engine not sound as smooth as it used to? Have you considered checking its engine oil? Most often than not, oil is the main reason your car engine does not perform to its peak. At Stony Plain Chrysler in Stony Plain, AB, we offer oil change services for all types of vehicles in the Edmonton, AB, area. Keep reading this blog to learn more.
How Do You Know Your Car Needs an Oil Change
Many drivers in the Edmonton, AB area rely solely on mileage as an indicator of when their oil needs to be replaced, but there are other factors as well, such as the quality of oil and the car’s age, and how you drive the car. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating the moving parts inside the engine. However, the oil breaks down or wears out over time due to heat and other factors, and once this begins, your car likely will exhibit at least one of the warning signs below.
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Oil Change Light
Our cars are smart enough to tell us when they need an oil change. The oil change light in your car will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system. When your car’s oil change light turns red, it’s time to check the dipstick level and schedule an oil change.
Engine Noise
Engine oil lubricates the moving metal parts inside the engine thus providing a protective layer between the various parts and avoiding metal-to-metal friction, which helps keeps the engine quiet. If your car is low on oil or if the engine oil is dirty, your engine noise will increase.
Dirty, Dark Oil
Another sign that your vehicle needs an oil change is when you see dark or dirty oil on your dipstick. Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent but turns dark with particles collected from the engine over time. To check the color and consistency of your engine oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and dip it back in. Take it out a second time. If the oil isn’t good, you’ll not be able to see the dipstick.
Oil Smell Inside Car
The smell of oil inside your car could indicate an oil leak and oil leakage depletes the oil in your car. Low oil levels increase friction, and this causes the engine to overheat, and you can smell of burning oil inside your car.
Exhaust Smoke
Exhaust smoke is yet another indicator your car needs an oil change. If you notice your car’s tailpipe emissions are more than usual, it could mean your engine oil needs a top-up or replacement.
Excessive Mileage
Lastly, if you’ve been driving your car excessively over the past months, you may need to prepone your oil change schedule. Depending on your car’s age, you must change the oil every 3,000 – 6,000 miles or every three to six months. Older cars need more frequent oil changes, while newer ones can stretch up to 6,000 miles or six months. Either way, check your car owner’s manual or stop by Stony Plain Chrysler for an inspection.
Schedule an Oil Change Service at Stony Plain Chrysler.
An oil change is usually a quick and painless procedure at modern service centres. You can schedule an oil change service at Stony Plain Chrysler online or visit our state-of-the-art service center today, and our team of expert mechanics will take care of your car’s needs. But before you do that consider checking out our service specials for exciting discounts coupons on lube, oil, and filter change.
