Preventive maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car. But many drivers skip the oil changes and other maintenance services. If you haven’t had the oil changed in your car recently, watch for these warning signs.
1. Color of the Oil
If you check your oil, you may notice that it is darker and/or grittier than usual. This is a clear sign that you need to change it. Fresh oil is the color of honey, but it can get overloaded with dirt and other particles. You don’t want these getting into the engine.
2. Recommended Schedule
Your car’s manufacturer will typically produce a schedule for recommended frequency of oil changes. Some cars need the service every 3,000 miles, while others can go longer. Synthetic oil burns more cleanly and efficiently, reducing the need to change it as often. But a synthetic oil change also typically costs two to three times more than a conventional service.
3. Strange Sounds
If you hear odd noises coming from your engine, such as grinding or whining, this could also indicate that you need an oil change. Oil provides lubrication for the engine, so if it runs dry, parts start to grind together and lead to added wear and tear.
4. Low Level
When you pull out the dipstick, make sure your engine has plenty of oil. If the indicator shows that the level is low, add more or get it changed ASAP.
You can help keep your car running more smoothly by getting the oil changed routinely.
Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker
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