Changing your oil regularly improves fuel efficiency, reduces harmful emissions, and extends the life of your engine. However, sometimes it takes work to tell when your oil is due for a change.
Clean engine oil is a translucent, light brown color. Dirty oil is darker and gritty in consistency. Look at the dipstick under your hood to check the oil level.
You’re Smelling Oil
Your engine oil cools and lubricates your car’s moving parts to smoothly slide past one another. This is important because, without it, your engine’s metal parts will rub together and create friction that causes excessive heat. This isn’t good, indicating that you should replace your oil immediately. Oil also provides a barrier between moving parts that prevents them from rubbing against each other, which can cause loud noises and knocking sounds while you’re driving. If your engine oil is dirty or low, it won’t be able to perform this function effectively, and the noises will become more apparent. You can check your oil level with a dipstick under the hood. If it’s low and continues to drop even after you’ve topped it up, this is a surefire sign that your engine needs an automotive oil change San Rafael, CA, from experts.
You’re Hearing Noises
No one knows your car as well as you do, so if you hear a sound that’s not normal for your vehicle, it’s time to take it into the shop. Whether it’s high-pitched squealing, chirping, or even knocking noises, these are all signs that your vehicle needs a mechanic’s attention. Noisiness is a clear sign that engine oil needs to be replaced. When engine oil gets too low, the moving parts of your engine will begin grinding against each other, which can cause major damage if left unattended.
You can easily check the quality of your engine oil by removing the dipstick and wiping it clean. You’ll want to observe its color and consistency, as it should appear golden with no grittiness. It should also be easy to pour as it should flow smoothly through the engine. Your engine’s lifespan can be increased, and costly repairs can be avoided by changing your oil more frequently.
You’re Overheating
A car overheating is always a bad sign. It means the cooling system isn’t working properly, and that can lead to permanent engine damage if left unchecked. When you’re driving and notice your temperature gauge climb into the red zone, immediately pull over and shut off your vehicle. If you can’t safely stop, try turning on your heater to draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment (this also helps lower the pressure on the overheating system). Don’t open your hood until the engine has fully cooled—it will spew hot steam or coolant out of the hoses, which could burn you. Once it’s cooled, call a mechanic and add coolant if needed.