Top Signs Your Car Needs an Oil and Filter Change

Car Oil Change Light 

Some modern cars are equipped with a checking system to alert you when the vehicle needs an oil change. Older cars, however, may not be equipped with an oil change calculator. In that case, wait until the oil change light illuminates on the dashboard; when it does, look into getting an oil change as soon as possible.

Odd Engine Noises

Oil serves as a lubricant for car parts. It wets the parts of the engine that rotate to prevent metal-to-metal contact, so, with the right amount of oil, the engine should be quiet and without loud knocking sounds. If, however, your engine is making sounds that you don’t typically hear, loud sounds of metal colliding, for example, this is probably a sign that your oil life is very low and your car should be taken for service immediately.

Mileage Counter 

In the past, the general rule of thumb for getting an oil change was every 3,000-5,000 driven miles. With improved vehicles and synthetic oils, today, most cars can drive between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. Research your car’s oil capabilities, and count the amount of miles you have driven since the last oil change. When you reach your car’s expected capacity for oil, it might be time to schedule an oil change.

Black Exhaust Smoke

A functioning exhaust pipe should be releasing translucent smoke, or if in cold conditions, white smoke. The white smoke that releases from your exhaust pipe is a mixture made of mostly water vapor. If the exhaust’s smoke turns to a dark color, black or blue, for example, this could be a sign that your car has an oil leak or a lack of oil circulating through the engine. If you see a cloud of dark smoke, it is time to get your engine looked at by professional mechanics.

If your car is showing signs of any of the four symptoms listed above, it is more likely than not that you are due for an oil change. Keeping your car regularly maintained is the key to a long-lasting, healthy vehicle. Is your car showing signs of a needed oil change? Contact us today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN to schedule your car’s service, and we’ll be here to help with any additional questions.

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