An oil change should be a top priority for car owners looking to keep their engine in good running condition. Fortunately, getting an oil change costs little money in the grand scheme of car maintenance. The key, however, is knowing when you car is due for an oil change.
Oil Change Guidelines:
OIL CHANGE RULE #1 – GET AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3,000 MILES…OR SO.
If you have been a car owner for awhile, you have probably heard the once golden rule for getting an oil change: Do it every 3,000 miles. Although your car certainly won’t see any adverse effects if you abide by this rule, you may be unnecessarily spending money. Many of today’s newer car engines are designed with less oil change maintenance in mind. Because of this, getting an oil change every 4-6,000 miles is considered perfectly good car maintenance. Even so, you’ll still want to check your car’s engine for the telltale signs your car needs an oil change.
OIL CHANGE RULE #2 – DIRTY OIL
Every engine comes equipped with a filter that serves to collect debris and contaminants. Over time, however, these filters can become overloaded. At this point, you’ll begin to see dark flakes in your otherwise honey-colored oil. If you see this, you are due for an oil change. It’s important to get an oil change sooner than later, though, or else this buildup could damage your engine — something no car owner wants.
OIL CHANGE RULE #3 – RUMBLING ENGINE
If you hear an unusual rumbling noise when you are driving, check your engine to make sure it’s not something more than a hungry tummy. In the event the noise is coming from your engine, you may be due for an oil change. Why? Oil lubricates the many mechanical components that comprise your car’s engine, and when your engine is low on oil, the parts begin to grind against one another, making an industrial grinding noise. The solution? You guessed it; it’s time for an oil change.
OIL CHANGE RULE #4 – CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE LIGHT
A check engine light that has appeared and not gone away is often indicative of car trouble like a much needed oil change. However, perhaps one of the easiest ways to know your car needs an oil change is when an oil light appears. Many newer cars have these. So, if an oil light appears, don’t ignore it — get an oil change immediately.
Performing simple car maintenance tasks like regularly getting an oil change is an easy way to ensure that your engine, and ultimately your car, will last longer. Knowing the signs you need an oil change and taking action when you’re due for one is simple, and even better, affordable.