If you have owned a vehicle for very long, you have probably heard it said many times that regular oil changes are one of the most significant ways to help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its operating performance. So how often should you get an oil change? Read your owner’s manual! By adhering to the recommended oil change interval for your car, you can prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by keeping the engine parts lubricated, protecting against metal-on-metal contact.
Although oil changes are relatively simple and inexpensive, many drivers seem to neglect them. Many auto shops provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes when needed.
Over time, oil deteriorates and loses it's effective and you may not be able to rely on the mileage interval. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the warning signs below.
- Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color and you should be able to see the dipstick through the oil. After a while, the oil darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine.
- Noisy Engine -- You may start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring. The oil has lost its effectiveness and is not lubricating parts as well.
- Oil Change Warning Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the instrument panel indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. You may get by with adding a quart or two of oil but if the oil is dark, it’s time to change the oil.
- Exhaust Smoke -- If you notice smoke coming from the muffler (not the translucent vapor in cold temperatures), there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.
- Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, your vehicle is probably overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area. This can cause serious engine damage or even ignite a fire.
How often should you get an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
If you have owned a vehicle for very long, you have probably heard it said many times that regular oil changes are one of the most significant ways to help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its operating performance. So how often should you get an oil change? Read your owner’s manual! By adhering to the recommended oil change interval for your car, you can prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by keeping the engine parts lubricated, protecting against metal-on-metal contact.
Although oil changes are relatively simple and inexpensive, many drivers seem to neglect them. Many auto shops provide oil change coupons so that customers will take care of oil changes when needed.
Over time, oil deteriorates and loses it's effective and you may not be able to rely on the mileage interval. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the warning signs below.
- Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color and you should be able to see the dipstick through the oil. After a while, the oil darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine.
- Noisy Engine -- You may start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring. The oil has lost its effectiveness and is not lubricating parts as well.
- Oil Change Warning Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the instrument panel indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. You may get by with adding a quart or two of oil but if the oil is dark, it’s time to change the oil.
- Exhaust Smoke -- If you notice smoke coming from the muffler (not the translucent vapor in cold temperatures), there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.
- Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, your vehicle is probably overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area. This can cause serious engine damage or even ignite a fire.
How often should you get an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
