Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

There is a range of signs to look out for that indicate your car needs an oil change. While you can always go off of having an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, your vehicle may tell you sooner if you’ve noticed that your car is shaking while it’s idling, has increased engine noise, or if you see thick exhaust coming from your car. Read on to learn some common signs you may need an oil change and turn to Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for auto service!

Common Signs of Needing an Oil Change

Your car oil plays a crucial role in the operation of your vehicle as it lubricates the engine components and transfers heat away from the engine block. This makes your car perform much safer on Omaha roads and beyond. Even though this is a common service, it can also be easy to forget as it’s done only twice a year. Here are some of the major signs your car needs an oil change, so you’ll never forget below:

• Increased Engine Noise: Oil breaks down as it ages, making it a less effective lubricant as time goes on. If your engine is louder than before, it’s possible that the small components in your engine are not being properly lubricated from old oil.
• Shaking While Idling: If your vehicle is shaking while it’s idling, then the parts in your engine aren’t being properly lubricated. This is caused by increased friction as the engine runs.
• Ticking Sounds When Starting the Car: The oil in your engine begins to circulate as soon as you start your car. If the oil has an improper texture, it may take longer to circulate, which can cause a ticking sound.
• Low Oil Levels: The oil levels in your car will deplete over time, which is why it’s important to have your oil changed regularly and check your oil levels monthly. If your oil levels are consistently low, bring your vehicle in for service, as this may indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
• Irregular Oil Texture/Colors: The oil in your car should be amber in color and free of any contaminants. If you notice your oil is darker in color, thick, or has tiny pieces of debris in it, you should schedule service and have your oil changed as soon as possible.
• Excess Exhaust: Most new vehicles don’t have visible exhaust emissions, so if you notice thick exhaust coming from your vehicle, it could be a sign that the motor oil is too old to work properly. Bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.
• Frequent Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is persistent, then it’s signalling to you that there is a problem within your engine or one of its systems. Bring your vehicle to a local service center to have the code read and the issue fixed.

Recommended Oil Change Frequency

In addition to how to know when your car needs an oil change, there can also be a strong distinction between new and used models. Newer cars may have their oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, while some used cars may need it every 6 months or 5,000 miles. Other factors of requiring more frequent oil changes will be if you go off-roading, racing or use your car for heavy towing.

Get Your Next Oil Service at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now that we’ve shown how to know when your car needs an oil change, you can make arrangements to have it done around Seward. Set up your next oil change at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and see how you can save even more when you take advantage of our rotating service specials. Explore more helpful service tips and tricks on how to best care for your vehicle. Contact us today for more details on common signs of needing an oil change and to schedule an appointment at our service center in Crete!