Oil changes are a great way to improve the performance of your vehicle and keep it running, and knowing the common signs of needing an oil change is important if you want to make sure you’re not letting a small issue become a major problem. Typically, your vehicle will need an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, but if you’re noticing any of these following signs, they may be warning signs your car needs an oil change immediately. This could include your car shaking while idling, has increased engine noise, or thick exhaust. Below, we’ll discuss common signs you may notice that indicate you need an oil change.

Common Signs of Needing an Oil Change

The oil in your vehicle’s engine is essential to its operation, so it’s important to be well versed in how to know when your car needs an oil change. Oil lubricates the engine components and transfers heat away from the engine block, allowing your vehicle to perform safely and efficiently on Lincoln roads. However, because oil changes are months apart at a time, drivers can forget to perform this essential service. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, your vehicle is overdue for an oil change at our service center near Columbus:

• 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

It’s also important to know how frequently you should be getting an oil change. Most new vehicles need to have their oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, and a used model may need every 5,000 miles. However, if you frequently go off-roading, racing, or do heavy towing, you may need to have your oil changed more frequently. You should check your oil levels once a month along with your tire pressure to ensure that your vehicle has enough oil and that the oil isn’t an odd color or has contaminants. This makes it easier for you to know when your car needs an oil change, and it also prevents any small issues from becoming major problems.

Trust Our Service Team at Sid Dillon Buick GMC Fremont

Now that you know how to tell if your car needs an oil change, and the signs that something is wrong, you’re one step closer to knowing more about keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Our service center has plenty of service tips and tricks for additional ways you can keep your vehicle running smoothly.