Dodge Dealership in El Paso, TX Reveals Signs Your Car Needs An Oil Change

There’s no question that an oil change is an important measure to keep your vehicle in top shape. Despite this, many car owners put off oil changes due to a myriad of reasons. A Dodge dealership in El Paso, TX shares some major signs that car owners should be aware of. If your vehicle exhibits any of these signs, then it’s time to head to an auto shop for an oil change.

Your vehicle’s oil is dark.

Most car owners are taught that they need to do a vehicle checkup before they go to their car seat and drive off. One of the things that is included in that list is to check the oil. This is usually done by removing and re-plunging the dipstick and then pulling it out to see the oil color and level. If your oil is dark brown or almost black, then it is time to refresh it. A dark oil means that it has already been contaminated with residue particles from the engine. If you are unsure of your car oil’s color, you can wipe the dipstick on a clean white paper towel and check the color.

Your engine makes a lot of noises.

Oil serves as a lubricant to your engine so if your engine starts to give you clunking or ticking noise then you should get an oil change. According to a RAM dealership in Las Cruces, NM, that noise you hear is probably from the oil running low. This causes the metal parts of the engine to grate against each other.

Your check engine light or oil change light is on.

While this is the most obvious warning sign, most car owners tend to ignore it. You should understand that if the oil change light is on, it only means that there is not enough oil in the system. Worse, if the alert changes from “change oil” to “check engine”, then it means that the problem has escalated to a point where your engine is at risk due to lack of lubrication.

There’s visible smoke coming from your exhaust.

Newer car models don’t really release visible smoke from their tailpipes. So, if you happen to see billowing smoke from your exhaust, it only means that your oil is too worn out to function. Visible smoke from the exhaust can also mean other serious engine problems, which means you really need to visit an auto repair shop and have your car checked immediately.

You keep smelling burnt oil inside your vehicle.

A burnt oil smell usually indicates an oil leak. The oil drips on the hot engine part which “cooks” it, thus the burnt smell. When this happens, it means that your engine is more likely to be low on oil which causes your engine to overheat. The best thing to do to fix this problem is to find and repair the source of the oil leak, then put some fresh oil in your vehicle.

Your car begins to stall.

There’s no question that a car stalling in the middle of the road is such a big hassle. Just imagine how embarrassing it is–and not to mention dangerous–if this happens to you. There are many possible reasons why a vehicle would begin to stall. However, the simplest explanation is that your oil has already lost its ability to lubricate, which causes the engine to stall and eventually die. It may also mean that you need to replace your fuel filters or spark plugs.

Aside from following the owner’s manual in changing oil, the best way to know whether you really need an oil change or not is to bring your vehicle to a reputable auto shop and have them check it. Visit Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.